ITS Launches Major Expansion at Port of Long Beach
International Transportation Services (ITS), a leading container terminal operator at the Port of Long Beach, California, has embarked on a significant expansion project. The initiative aims to create 19 acres of additional space for container storage, ultimately boosting ITS’s capacity by 50% upon completion in 2028.
The $365 million expansion project was officially inaugurated with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 11. ITS, a longstanding operator at the port, currently manages 246 acres of yard space, 6,700 feet of berth, and 15 cranes with a 42.5-foot draft.
Central to the expansion is a 560-foot extension of the existing quay, which involves filling a 19-acre gap at the terminal to create a continuous 3,400-foot wharf. This enhancement will enable ITS to simultaneously accommodate two 18,000 TEU container vessels, positioning the terminal to handle the next generation of ultra-large ships and increase overall throughput.
The terminal’s location in the outer harbor necessitates the filling of the south slip, dividing the current terminal. Reusing sediment from within the Harbor District and dredged sediments from Newport Harbor will facilitate this process, enhancing operational efficiency for ITS upon project completion.
Rendering of the expanded facility with the capability to handle two 18,000 TEU containerships (Port of Long Beach)
The expansion comes at a critical juncture for the port, given the uncertainties stemming from the Trump administration’s tariff policies. As the primary gateway for imports from China and Asia, the Port of Long Beach, along with its neighboring Port of Los Angeles, has experienced fluctuations in trade volumes.
While the port witnessed a substantial 17% increase in overall volume during the initial five months of 2025, driven partly by importers accelerating shipments to mitigate impending tariffs, a subsequent 8% decline in TEU volume in May underscored the impact of trade tensions. Port officials remain optimistic about a potential rebound following tariff negotiations between the U.S. and China, emphasizing the significance of stable import flows from the region for the port’s sustained growth.