AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles

AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating scientific collaboration, advancing an emerging blue economy through business innovation and job creation, and inspiring the next generation for a more sustainable, just, and equitable world. Headquartered at 2451 Signal St., San Pedro, CA, within the Port of Los Angeles, it operates as a public-private ocean institute and an urban, ocean-based research and blue technology innovation campus. [2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 14, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27]

The organization's core activities include convening marine scientists for breakthrough research, nurturing businesses that commercialize scientific discoveries and emerging technologies, and providing educational programs focused on the ocean's critical role for the planet. AltaSea addresses global challenges such as energy supply, climate change, and food security by fostering innovation in ocean science and technology. [4, 6, 14, 27] Its 35-acre campus offers laboratories, research facilities, deep-water dock space, and educational spaces, serving as a hub for the blue economy, ocean science, technology, education, and workforce development. [12, 15, 22, 26, 27]

Recent developments include the ribbon-cutting for the Center for Innovation at Berth 58 in May 2024, a significant milestone in its $35 million transformation of historic warehouses into modern research and innovation spaces. [19, 28] In late 2025, underwater robotics company Blue Robotics leased 49,000 square feet at AltaSea for its headquarters and production facility, with renovations commencing in early 2026. [15] AltaSea also launched a partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) Sea Grant Program in December 2025 to further innovation and workforce development. [13] Led by President and CEO Terry Tamminen and Executive Vice President, COO, and co-founder Jenny Cornuelle Krusoe, AltaSea is positioned as a leading tech hub for the Blue Economy, aiming to establish Southern California as an international leader in the sector. [3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19]

Latest updates

AltaSea, USC Sea Grant Partner to Drive Blue Economy Innovation at Port of Los Angeles

Event summary

  • AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles and USC Sea Grant have launched a partnership focused on accelerating innovation, workforce development, and community engagement.
  • The collaboration leverages AltaSea’s 35-acre campus and USC Sea Grant’s coastal research expertise.
  • The partnership will initially focus on three core areas over the next three years: stakeholder relationships, workforce development, and climate adaptation strategies.
  • USC Sea Grant previously helped lead the Port of Los Angeles’ 2010 visioning study that catalyzed the creation of AltaSea.
  • The partnership aims to expand pathways into blue economy careers for students and workers across Los Angeles County.

The big picture

The partnership underscores the growing recognition of ports as critical hubs for sustainable innovation and economic resilience. Los Angeles’s position as a major port complex makes it a key testing ground for new technologies and workforce models aimed at decarbonizing the maritime sector. This collaboration reflects a broader trend of universities and private entities partnering to address climate change and build a more sustainable blue economy, a sector poised for significant growth as global supply chains adapt to environmental pressures.

What we're watching

Funding Flow
The success of the partnership hinges on securing consistent funding beyond the initial three-year scope, particularly given the capital-intensive nature of ocean technology development.
Regulatory Landscape
Evolving environmental regulations and permitting processes could significantly impact AltaSea’s operations and the partnership’s ability to implement its climate adaptation strategies.
Talent Pipeline
The effectiveness of the workforce development programs will depend on attracting and retaining skilled workers in a competitive labor market, particularly for specialized marine technology roles.
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