Posted on May 18, 2026
The Port of Long Beach unveiled a new center dedicated to defending one of America’s busiest seaports against cyberattacks that could disrupt global goods movement and the millions of U.S. livelihoods it supports.
During a special edition of his monthly Supply Chain Insight media briefing, Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba announced the opening of the Port’s Cyber Defense Operations Center. He was joined by Frank Colonna, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Jeffrey Novak, Commander, Southwest District and Deputy Commander, Pacific Area.
The event also highlighted the many partnerships that enhance cybersecurity, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and many other federal, state and local agencies.
“Supply chain security is key to supply chain resilience, and with data and digital infrastructure being an ever-increasing part of maritime trade, effective cybersecurity is more important than ever to the global supply chain.” Hacegaba said.
The center is a state-of-the-art facility that features enhanced technological capabilities for around-the-clock cybersecurity monitoring and defense and offers the highest level of resiliency to the many data networks that are critical to Port operations. On average, the Port blocks or stops an attempted cyberattack every three seconds.
The new center enables the Port to double the number of on-site staff focused on safeguarding the Port’s digital supply chain and further leverage its in-house and contracted resources.
“The Cyber Defense Operations Center represents the Port of Long Beach’s latest initiative to strengthen our cybersecurity capabilities,” Hacegaba said. “Through the use of enhanced technology, this center allows us to sustain world-class cybersecurity defenses and protect critical data networks to keep cargo flowing and the economy moving as we develop the Port of the Future.”
“As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, we need to stay ahead of the curve with technology that allows us to detect cyber criminals,” said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Frank Colonna. “This center will play a major role in keeping one of the nation’s busiest seaports safe from cyberattacks.”
Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, lauded the Port’s new center.
“I commend the Port of Long Beach on the opening of its new Cyber Defense Operations Center and appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand the Port’s cutting-edge operations during my recent visit alongside Congressman (Vince) Fong,” Garbarino said. “This advanced center will provide better visibility into cargo movement and help defend digital networks that are susceptible to cyber threats and cross-border illicit activity, including organized retail crime and the financial networks that enable these operations. As a cosponsor of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, I am happy to see a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to protecting the homeland and U.S. supply chains.”
In addition to unveiling the new center, Hacegaba also announced that the Port of Long Beach moved almost 818,000 TEUs last month, the Port’s third-best April on record.
Overall cargo volumes dipped 5.7% from April 2025, which was Long Beach’s busiest April in history.
Long Beach dockworkers and terminal operators handled nearly 390,000 TEUs in imports last month, down 7.1%, while exports soared 26.7% to nearly 119,000 TEUs compared to April 2025.
Empties fell 12.6% to 309,000 TEUs.
Hacegaba emphasized the importance of strengthening the Port’s data security to keep $300 billion worth of annual trade moving safely and smoothly at the nation’s busiest seaport complex.
“In our industry, the only certainty is uncertainty, and because we are part of the global supply, we must prepare for potential issues that may affect cargo movement,” Hacegaba said.
“With recent supply chain disruptions adding volatility and instability to global trade, it’s even more important for our port to remain a safe harbor in the sea of trade and geopolitical uncertainty to keep cargo moving,” Hacegaba said.
The Port of Long Beach is building the Port of the Future, guided by its bold new 2050 vision and a plan to double current container volumes to 20 million annually by 2050. By strategically modernizing the Port’s infrastructure with $3.3 billion in capital investments over the next decade and developing digital systems to dramatically enhance efficiency and visibility, the Port is also becoming the world’s first zero-emissions port. Today the Port moves cargo valued at $300 billion a year and generates 2.7 million jobs across the U.S., as it continues to lead the world on sustainability programs and plans to double those benefits by doubling volume. As one of only 18 commercial strategic seaports in the U.S. with a duty to support force deployment during national defense emergencies, a community partner that offers $3 million per year in sponsorships for local nonprofits and a major catalyst for workforce development creating opportunities for students far and wide, the Port is well-positioned for even higher achievements. After all, industry leaders named Long Beach “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for a seventh consecutive year and “The Best Green Seaport” in 2025. The Port of Long Beach. Always open. Always moving.
