LONG BEACH, CA—The world's second-largest ocean cargo line — Mediterranean Shipping Co. — has increased its investments at the Port of Long Beach, its biggest West Coast hub of operations, Port Executive Director J. Christopher Lytle announced in his annual “State of the Port” address last week.

The decision by MSC to purchase a stake in the leasehold for the marine terminal operations at Pier T, the largest container terminal in Long Beach, is the second such move by a leading shipping company in recent months. In December, the Port announced that CMA CGM, the world's third-largest ocean carrier, had purchased a stake in Pier J in Long Beach. MSC already holds a financial interest in the terminal operations at Pier A in Long Beach.

The commitments by the MSC and CMA CGM fleets underscore the Port's efforts to forge successful partnerships, Lytle said. It's the strength of its bonds with industry, neighbors and the City of Long Beach at large that has allowed the Port of Long Beach to thrive.