GE, L.A. port expand pact to digitize shipping data

GE and the Port of Los Angeles are expanding a pilot program launched last year to use a digital solution to keep cargo flowing more efficiently.

As a result of the pilot's success, the parties have committed to new commercial agreements worth up to nearly $12 million and extended their relationship for at least five years, GE officials said in a press release.

Under the pilot, GE used its Predix platform and Big Data to streamline port processes.

Subject to review by the Los Angeles City Council, the new agreements will support 9 million 20-foot equivalent units, more than 15,000 truck providers and thousands of cargo importers.

The new agreements call for the digital solution to be applied to all container terminals and shipping lines at the port.

Based on the initial pilot program results, the port anticipates efficiency gains between 8 percent and 12 percent as the expanded program is rolled out, GE officials said.

"The initial results of the pilot are resonating with partners and providing an opportunity for us to collaborate on expanding the work. It's a major step toward exploring how a system like this could be developed and implemented for other ports in the U.S. and abroad," said GE Transportation President and Chief Executive Officer Jamie Miller.