Port of Los Angeles Celebrates 100 Years of World Trade Week with Free Harbor Boat Tours

Why It Matters

By opening operational areas to the public, the port strengthens community ties and transparency, helping stakeholders better appreciate the economic, environmental and logistical significance of port activity for Los Angeles. Such outreach can influence public support, local policy, and future community–industry partnerships.

Summary

The Port of Los Angeles marked the 100th anniversary of World Trade Week with free harbor boat tours on May 9, drawing over 1,000 visitors to Banning’s Landing for firsthand views of the nation’s busiest container port. Organizers emphasized the educational value of on-water access, showcasing active operations, the LA waterfront, and the port’s role in local economic and environmental systems. The event honored the initiative begun by Stanley T. Oliffson and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in 1926 and highlighted ongoing community–port collaboration around maritime parks and public programming. Officials framed the tours as family-friendly outreach to deepen public understanding of port activity and its local impacts.

Original Description

The Port of Los Angeles on Saturday, May 9 hosted free harbor boat tours at Banning’s Landing Community Center in Wilmington to celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Trade Week.

More than 1100 attendees, including some four-legged friends, enjoyed free waterside tours of America's busiest port.

Launched in 1926 by Stanley T. Olafson and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, World Trade Week raises awareness of the importance of world trade to local, national, and international economies.

From moving nearly $1 billion in cargo daily to creating 1 million trade jobs, welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors annually, and hosting world-class sporting events, including the upcoming LA28 Olympic Games sailing events, there are many sides to the Port of Los Angeles, and everyone is welcome to take a free harbor boat tour and get to know them.

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce on 100 years of World Trade Week: 1926–2026.

For more information about additional free harbor boat tours in September, visit: portoflosangeles.org/community/events/free-harbor-boat-tours

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The Port of Los Angeles is America’s Port®—the nation’s No. 1 container port and the global model for sustainability, security, and social responsibility. Learn more at https://www.portoflosangeles.org.

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