Long Beach CEO Takes Bold Vision for Global Trade to Davos Stage

DAVOS, Switzerland – January 19, 2026 – Amid the snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps, a critical conversation about the future of global trade is taking place, and the Port of Long Beach has secured a unique and powerful voice at the table. Dr. Noel Hacegaba, the newly appointed CEO of one of America’s most vital economic gateways, is attending this week’s World Economic Forum, making him the only top executive of a U.S. port authority at the high-level summit.

As nearly 3,000 global leaders from business, government, and academia convene under the 2026 theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," Hacegaba is tasked with representing not just a port, but a vision for the future of American competitiveness. He will participate in roundtable discussions and plenary sessions with 850 executives and national leaders, aiming to ensure the Port of Long Beach’s ambitious plans for growth and sustainability resonate with the world’s top decision-makers.

“The Port of Long Beach is a global port and in a time of dynamic trade policies and priorities, we can’t afford not to be at the table when the world’s top economic leaders are discussing the future,” said Hacegaba. His presence signals a proactive strategy to navigate an increasingly complex international landscape and to position the port as a leader in shaping, rather than just reacting to, the future of logistics.

A Vision of Zero-Emissions and Record Volume

Hacegaba’s trip to Davos comes just days after he delivered his first “State of the Port” address on January 15, where he laid out a transformative vision for the Southern California trade hub. The plan is twofold and audacious: to become the world’s first zero-emissions seaport while simultaneously doubling its annual cargo volume by 2050.

This announcement was bolstered by the news that the port achieved its highest cargo volume ever in 2025, moving nearly 9.9 million container units. This record was set despite the specter of new tariffs and global trade volatility, demonstrating a resilience that Hacegaba plans to build upon.

“Our new long-term cargo forecast predicts we will double our annual container volume at Long Beach by 2050,” Hacegaba stated. “Achieving that will require visionary innovation, advances in workforce development and international cooperation as never before.”

The zero-emissions goal is the cornerstone of this future. Building on its pioneering 2005 Green Port policy, the port is accelerating its push for decarbonization. Initiatives include the development of a “Green Trucking Corridor” and a “Clean Lanes Program” to prioritize the greenest trucks. The port is also exploring the creation of the world's first fully zero-emissions container terminal, a project that could set a new global standard for sustainable logistics.

Building the Port of Tomorrow

Underpinning this bold vision is a massive financial commitment. The Port of Long Beach has outlined a $3.2 billion capital improvement plan for the next decade, a strategic investment designed to fundamentally reshape its operational capacity, competitiveness, and environmental footprint. This is not merely maintenance but a ground-up modernization effort.

Nearly 40% of this budget, over $1.28 billion, is allocated to the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility. This landmark project, slated for completion by 2032, is designed to triple the volume of cargo moved by on-dock rail. The goal is to create a seamless ship-to-rail pipeline that can move containers in under 24 hours, drastically reducing truck traffic, congestion, and associated emissions on local freeways.

Furthermore, over $220 million is specifically earmarked for zero-emission infrastructure. This funding will support the port’s objective to transition all its cargo-handling equipment to zero-emission models by 2030, involving the large-scale deployment of electric cranes, yard tractors, and the necessary charging infrastructure. Digital innovation is also a key component, with a new platform called CARGO NAV being rolled out to unify trucking appointments and streamline information flow, further enhancing efficiency and reducing the port’s carbon footprint.

“We’ve tasked Noel with taking our Port into the future and to do that, he needs to be at the forefront of that conversation,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna, emphasizing the strategic importance of the CEO's engagement at the global forum.

Navigating Turbulent Geopolitical Tides

Hacegaba’s mission in Davos is set against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty. The “dynamic trade policies” he references are a stark reality, as geopolitical fragmentation, protectionist tariffs, and systemic supply chain vulnerabilities challenge the post-war consensus on global trade. While the International Monetary Fund projects modest global growth fueled by technology investments, the World Trade Organization has sharply downgraded its forecast for merchandise trade growth, citing the chilling effect of tariffs and a cooling global economy.

In this environment, the focus for many businesses has shifted from pure efficiency to supply chain resilience. The Port of Long Beach’s strategy appears to be a direct response to this new paradigm. By investing heavily in green technology, rail capacity, and digital systems, it is marketing itself not just as a gateway, but as a reliable, predictable, and sustainable partner in an unpredictable world.

As one of only 18 designated commercial strategic seaports in the United States, its role extends to national security, underpinning its importance to the broader U.S. economy which it supports with 2.7 million jobs nationwide. The port's consistent recognition by industry leaders, including being named “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for seven consecutive years, provides a strong foundation for its global outreach. The discussions in Davos offer a critical opportunity to find new partners and strengthen ties with customers, ensuring the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades.