Port of Oakland: Terminal Expansion Could Increase Volume, Add Jobs
OAKLAND, Calif. — One of the Port of Oakland's largest terminal operators is gearing up to double its terminal size, which port officials say can increase efficiency and volume at the port, as well as bring in more jobs.
TraPac said it plans to lease an additional 57 acres and two vessel berths on the port's Outer Harbor, strengthening its position as the port's second-largest operator.
The port's marine terminals load and unload containerships, release containerized imports to cargo owners and accept exports for overseas shipment.
TraPac handles 20% of the containerized cargo moving through the Port of Oakland and manages two vessel berths and 66 acres of land. The new deal would give it four berths and 123 acres, much of which would be used for cargo handling.
With more land, the terminal can implement new procedures to improve efficiency and move containers faster as volume grows at the Port of Oakland, port representatives said. According to port communications director Mike Zampa, increased volume at the port brings more jobs.
"Our business is growing and placing new demands on our operations," said Mike Porte, general manager for TraPac Oakland. "With this new agreement, we can meet the demands and the service expectations of our customers."
The news follows steady growth at the port. In September, containerized export volume soared 10% compared with 2015. It was the eighth increase in nine months and the first double-digit jump since February. Through the first nine months of 2016, export volume increased 9%, mostly propelled by California growers shipping fruit, nuts and wine to Asia.
The port has made a series of improvements to boost efficiency and increase volume. Its largest terminal operator, SSA Marine, announced plans earlier this year to keep its gates open at night, after a three-month pilot program to provide relief to truckers stuck in long queues to pick up or drop off cargo and containers. The port also has opened a new rail yard and plans to build a new cold storage facility and additional warehousing space that will improve its ability to move cargo.
The port's ability to move cargo efficiently is important for it to remain competitive, experts say. Oakland's port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and an estimated 827,000 jobs across the country, and it is the primary location for exports on the West Coast.
TraPac has reached agreement to nearly double its marine terminal size at the Port of Oakland. https://t.co/r9k19K7gru pic.twitter.com/varQoi19RQ — Port of Oakland (@PortofOakland) October 14, 2016
