SACRAMENTO, CA - In the wake of port congestion and supply chain hurdles in the past few years, California’s five containerized ports have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), launching the California Port Data Partnership alongside state and federal partners. The MOU outlines an agreement between the ports to advance computerized and cloud-based data interoperability, which will support freight system resilience.

“California’s ports are an essential link in the global supply chain. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Newsom and our state Legislature, California is establishing a first-of-its-kind, collaborative data system between all our state’s containerized cargo ports,” said California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. “Today’s historic agreement will create a greener, more transparent, and more efficient supply chain -unlocking innovation in how cargo moves in California.”

The five ports that signed the MOU include the Port of Hueneme, the Port of Long Beach, the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Oakland, and the Port of San Diego, a release explained. Through the agreement, the ports aim to increase goods movement efficiency, reduce emissions, and support economic competitiveness.

Throughout the past months, California’s five ports and the State have held bi-weekly roundtables to develop the framework for the MOU. The agreement and partnership will serve as the basis of cooperation for the $27 million in grant funds from GO-Biz for port data system development.

“The MOU is a first-of-its-kind agreement on data system development among containerized ports and outlines eleven areas of cooperation, ranging from developing data definitions to ensuring equitable access to data for users,” said GO-Biz Director and Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom, Dee Dee Myers. “This MOU and the funds that follow will build the basis for greater cooperation and standardization when it comes to data in our supply chain. I want to thank all of our partners across the supply chain as well as our ports or their leadership in this effort.”

These funds were included in the Budget Act of 2022, which included a historic multi-billion-dollar state investment in the Golden State’s goods movement and supply chain sectors.

“Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California is making expansive upgrades to our nation-leading supply chain—from infrastructure to workforce development to technology—to create a more dynamic and resilient goods movement system that will power our economy for decades to come,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “This groundbreaking agreement will help develop a world-class data partnership that, coupled with our strategic infrastructure investments, will improve efficiency throughout the supply chain and keep California at the forefront of innovation.”

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With this MOU signed, how will California ports benefit from the agreement? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for answers.