Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka has accepted a voluntary post as vice president of the International Association of Ports and Harbors.
His role begins this week at the conclusion of the World Ports 2023 conference in the United Arab Emirates. Seroka is one of six vice presidents for the organization and will represent the North American region on the board.
IAPH was founded in 1955 and is a non-governmental organization headquartered in Tokyo. Over those six decades, the association has grown into a global alliance representing some 177 ports and 147 port-related businesses in 84 countries.
Those member ports combined handle more than 60% of the world’s seaborne trade and more than 60% of the world’s container traffic.
“Throughout his career, Gene Seroka has shown incredible leadership and a strong commitment to helping address the critical issues facing ports around the globe,” Masahiko Furuichi, secretary general of IAPH, said in a written comment included in the news release. “We are honored to have his expertise and depth of experience as we navigate these issues and search for collaborative solutions with our IAPH members.”
Before coming to the Port of Los Angeles in 2014, when he was appointed by former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Seroka was a shipping executive with American Presidents Line and had more than 21 years of experience in container shipping and logistics.
Seroka said he was humbled and grateful for the nomination.
“Global collaboration and communication are essential if we are to solve the enormous challenges facing our industry,” Seroka said, “many of which extend beyond borders and require international cooperation.”
The incoming IAPH president is Jens Meir, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority in Germany.
Seroka, meanwhile, has lead the Port of Los Angeles’ efforts to decarbonize shipping, reduce air pollution and minimize the industry’s overall environmental footprint.
Currently, the…
Read the full article here
