498: Tariffs, Turbines, and an Information Super Highway: Behind the Scenes at the Port of Long Beach
Dr. Noel Hacegaba is the Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Long Beach, where he oversees all day-to-day functions, including commercial operations, finance, engineering, and environmental planning. He emphasizes that strong collaboration and partnership across the supply chain were crucial for the port to achieve a record-breaking year without congestion, even amidst tariff uncertainty. Dr. Hacegaba outlines the port's forward-looking strategy, which includes over $3.2 billion in investments in infrastructure and technology like the Supply Chain Information Highway. He also highlights the port's 20-year commitment to sustainability, detailing a new wind turbine project aimed at achieving energy independence and making the supply chain more reliable.
Today I’m joined by the Port of Long Beach.
The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports and a gateway for transPacific trade, and was recently named the best West Coast seaport in North America for a seventh consecutive year at the Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards.
Today, Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer at The Port of Long Beach, joins me to take a closer look at the port to find out what goes on behind the scenes of such a critical location. We’ll be talking about tariffs and the impact of inconsistent volume, the infrastructure investments creating efficiency for the future, and why the port is building a Supply Chain Information Highway.
Guest bio:
Dr. Noel Hacegaba is the Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Long Beach, responsible for managing the Port’s day-to-day operations, including Commercial Operations, Finance and Administration, Engineering Services, Planning and Environmental Affairs, Human Resources, Communications and Government Relations.
In total, Dr. Hacegaba has more than 26 years of public and private sector experience spanning a variety of industries. Prior to joining the Port, he managed $200 million in contracts for a Fortune 500 company. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he earned degrees in economics (BA and MA), business administration (BS) and urban planning (MPL). He earned his doctorate in public administration at the University of La Verne, where he continues to serve on the faculty of the school’s College of Business and Public Management. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Intermodal Association of North America, where he just completed two terms as Chairman. He also serves as Treasurer of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors’ Board of Directors. In addition, he serves as Chairman of AAPA’s Professional Development Board and on the Boards of Directors of the Marine Exchange of Southern California, Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce and the Los Angeles/Long Beach Propeller Club. Most recently, in 2025 he joined the Board of Advisors for the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives. In 2025, Dr. Hacegaba was honored with the coveted Stanley T. Olafson award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for his impactful contributions to the advancement of international trade during his 15-year Port career.
An introduction to Noel, and his role at the Port.
An introduction to the Port and what sets it apart, from sustainability to customer service.
The Port’s record-breaking year – why they achieved the busiest year in their 114 year history and what made 2024 different.
The Port’s perspective on tariffs and why, despite the challenges, the Port is still thriving.
What the remainder of 2025 will bring for the Port.
From upgrading infrastructure to capacity expansion, the strategic projects and big investments being made by the Port as they look to enable growth over the next 10 years.
The Port’s Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility project, its purpose, and why it matters, not just for the region but for the nation’s transportation system.
The Port’s Supply Chain Information Highway, and the impact it will have for the industry.
The importance of sustainability and the Port’s commitment to green initiatives, including a new wind turbine project.
Noel’s prediction for the industry in 2026.
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Head over to the Port of Long Beach’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Port of Long Beach and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Noel on LinkedIn.
- If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from another leading US port, check out 473: Sail Into The Future, with the Port of New York and New Jersey.
- Check out our other podcasts HERE.
