THE port of Los Angeles and University of California Los Angeles have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cement their “dedication to sustainability” and the health and well-being of local communities.

The agreement will create new research opportunities for UCLA students at the port as well as collaborations with communities around the port, such as San Pedro and Wilmington.

UCLA interim chancellor Darnell Hunt said his university and the port “share core commitments to advancing sustainability, helping build healthier communities across the region and innovating for the public good”.

Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka said the two were “already working on solutions to further optimise port operations, reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly practices, particularly as they relate to the communities in and around the port complex”.

The two institutions have worked together in the past, including UCLA’s Equatic process, which accelerates the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and drone monitoring of vessel emissions.

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