Issue link: https://pma.uberflip.com/i/819501
29 P A C I F I C M A R I T I M E A S S O C I A T I O N West Coast Port Directors on The Future of the Waterfront Competition makes West Coast ports better. We're improving performance, introducing technology, girding for megaships. Why? Because containerized trade growth has moderated. We're reaching for larger slices of a pie that's no longer outgrowing its crust. "How do we compete? Simple: look to our customers – give them what they want. What do they want? Also simple: speed, predictability, low cost. How do we do it? Not so simple: we've got to collaborate. The supply chain, starting with water- front management and labor, must work together. We've done that in Oakland with our Efficiency Task Force. We bring the alphabet soup together: ILWU, MTOs, PMA, plus shippers, carriers and more. They troubleshoot issues and brainstorm solutions. This has led to night gates, appointment systems and technology- based terminal metrics. "There's competition to the north, south and east of us. Therefore, it's like the old joke. We hang together with our customers and partners, or we hang alone." Chris Lytle Executive Director Port of Oakland '' During 2016, we experienced what we once thought impossible: 18,000-TEU ships, larger shipping alliances among fierce competitors and the demise of Hanjin Shipping. "Change is accelerating, and we ports need to think and act differently to compete. "It's no longer enough to develop world-class terminal facilities, believing the cargo will follow. We need to take an active role with our partners to build a per- formance management system with real-time data to drive more informed decisions. That means convening terminal operators, labor partners, shipping lines, cargo owners and railroads to develop measurements that gain tangible efficiencies. "We must partner with customers and stakeholders on investments inside and outside the terminals to keep cargo moving, and adopt innovative technologies that give real-time operational views so customers can plan more effectively. "If we don't adapt in this fiercely competitive market- place, we risk losing the jobs and economic benefits for which our communities and customers rely on us." John Wolfe Chief Executive Officer The Northwest Seaport Alliance, a marine cargo operating partnership of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. '' Port directors play an important role in setting the vision for the waterfront. PMA reached out to leaders of the four largest West Coast ports to get their insights on the future.