Seven companies respond to call for cutting-edge concepts

In search of a concept that could change the future of goods movement, the Port of Long Beach and a panel of independent experts will soon begin a thorough review of ideas offered by seven companies for a zero-emission system to transport cargo containers.

The concepts were generated in response to the Port’s Request for Concepts and Solutions for a Zero Emission Container Mover System (ZECMS), which was issued in June 2009. The deadline for responses was October 23. The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA) are seeking a new, non-polluting technology to move containers between the marine terminals and an intermodal rail yard next to West Long Beach.

The ports, ACTA and independent experts including the USC Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policy will evaluate the proposals.

The evaluation is expected to be completed by spring 2010. Based upon the evaluation, ACTA might then issue by summer 2010 a Request for Proposals for design, construction and operation of the system.

Descriptions of the ideas in the concept documents will be revealed when the evaluations are complete. The seven concept documents to be reviewed come from:

* American Maglev Technology of Florida Inc.
* Bombardier
* Flight Rail Corp.
* Freight Shuttle Partners
* Innovative Transportation Systems Corp.
* Magna Force Inc.
* Tetra Tech Inc.