Port of Oakland – Currents

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  • by BPC Staff
  • on April 30, 2012
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Currents - The Port of Oakland's Electronic Newsletter to Keep Our Community Current www.portofoakland.com

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April 2012


WELCOME TO CURRENTS!

Welcome to the Port of Oakland’s new Port-wide electronic newsletter, designed to engage and inform our local community and stakeholders across the region. Though we are an independent department of the City of Oakland, we are also a statewide asset. The economic impact of our seaport, airport, and commercial real estate businesses extends from Oakland all the way around the San Francisco Bay, through Northern California, and into the Central Valley. We therefore need to reach everyone locally and regionally to share information about who we are, what we do, and why it matters.

 

In this inaugural issue, you will read stories about what we are doing to develop the Oakland International Airport of the future; how we are transforming the former Oakland Army Base into a trade and logistics hub to support American exports and jobs; how we are partnering with the private sector to develop the Oakland waterfront; and how we are cleaning up the air.

 

Thank you for taking time to read this newsletter. We hope that you will find the content informative and engaging.


Oakland Army Base Redevelopment Update

The Port of Oakland, in partnership with the City of Oakland, State of California, the private sector, and community, labor, and environmental partners, is working hard to move forward on the half billion dollar first phase of the redevelopment of the former Oakland Army Base (OAB).

 

The first phase involves the build-out of the City of Oakland-owned 165-acre development area (see map in green) and the establishment of a new rail terminal on 40 acres of the Port property (see map in blue). This phase will break ground by January 1, 2014. Subsequent phases of the redevelopment include the 7th Street Grade Separation; further expansion of the rail terminal; and additional trade and logistics facilities on Port land. 

  

aerial view

Photo caption: Oakland Army Base aerial view. Port of Oakland’s redevelopment zone highlighted in blue, the City of Oakland’s in green.

 

The public benefits of this project are significant:

  • Reduce truck trips by increasing rail connections at the Port, translating into less wear and tear on roads, reduced emissions, less congestion, and increased safety.
  • Make existing seaport operations more competitive, which will help protect and grow the tens of thousands of jobs maritime operations at the Port already generate across the region.
  • Create thousands of new construction jobs during development, and more operational jobs once developed.

Funding for the $484 million first phase comes from $242 million in state bond funds. These funds will be matched 1-1 by primarily the private sector, followed by City funds previously allocated to the OAB, and Port funds. The Port is competing for a federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant for its rail facility, and will pursue funding for subsequent OAB phases from Alameda County transportation sales tax and additional private investment.

 

To learn more, join us for the May 11 Special Board Meeting, and if you would like to voice your support for this project, please contact Port External Affairs Director Isaac Kos-Read at ikos-read@portoakland.com.  

   

Shore Power = Cleaner Air for All

When it comes to cleaner air, the Port of Oakland is making good progress with its Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan (MAQIP). Earlier this year an independent study by the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, verified a more than 50% reduction in diesel emissions from trucks, which is a good trend toward the ultimate MAQIP goal of an 85% reduction in Port-related diesel health risk by 2020. The next big step is our Shore Power Program, which will ensure that by 2017 the majority of all container ships docked at the Port will plug into the electric grid instead of running their diesel-fueled auxiliary engines while at berth. This will remove thousands of tons of diesel particulate matter and other pollutants from the air.

 

The Shore Power program has multiple elements:

  • Phase 1 includes Berths 56-58, and is in the final testing phases for plug-in by the end of Summer 2012
  • Phase 2 includes the majority of remaining berths, and will be on line by the end of 2013
  • APL, one of our eight marine terminals, already put in their own shore power infrastructure
  • PortsAmerica, another of our terminals, will soon be building its own shore power system
  • While the Shore Power systems are being built, the shipping lines that call the Port of Oakland are retrofitting and upgrading their vessels to plug in, representing $1 billion of cost born by Port customers
  • The total cost of Phases 1 and 2 is around $70 million, of  which about $30 million is funded by a mix of federal and state/local grants;  the balance of the cost is being paid by the Port

We are proud that this project will ensure the Port’s early compliance with California’s leading environmental requirements.

 

Exciting News from Oakland International Airport

Did you know that the Oakland International Airport (OAK) is part of the Port of Oakland? Well now you do!

 

We are very pleased to announce that beginning in June, travelers will be able to fly from OAK to Amsterdam (Netherlands) on Arkefly. The Dutch airline has chosen OAK as its San Francisco Bay Area gateway with twice-weekly service during the summer months. Information/Reservations: 855-808-4015 (toll free).

 

The Port is also working closely with BART to develop the BART Oakland Airport Connector (OAC). Expected to be in service in spring 2014, OAC will be an automated people mover that will replace the AirBART bus system. The OAC system will operate a cable-powered driverless transit vehicle that runs along a dedicated guideway from BART’s Coliseum station to OAK. OAC will drop off riders directly across from OAK’s terminals. Perhaps you’ve noticed the construction of the raised railway running down the center of Hegenberger Road. This is the pathway for OAC which will bring added convenience and save time for all who choose OAK.

 

As the City of Oakland works to create a Coliseum Area Specific Plan, the OAC project also will be a key element moving Oakland toward an “aerotropolis” model. An aerotropolis is an urban planning term used to describe an infrastructure and layout that centers around an “airport economy.” This new aerotropolis translates to a stronger future for the City of Oakland and Oakland International Airport.

   

i love oak

   

Book your flight now and don’t forget the parking coupons we’re offering for OAK: Click here for OAK parking coupons

   

Jack London Square – Nearly 90% Leased!

Jack London Square (JLS) is a beautiful waterfront location. We have a strong partner that’s helping us fill the Square with green businesses, exciting festivals, and innovative restaurants. While the Port still owns the underlying land throughout JLS, nearly two thirds of the commercial space is leased through our Master Developer, Jack London Square Ventures.

 

Despite an incredibly challenging real estate market, nearly 90% of commercial space at JLS is leased. New and expanded leases signal that Jack London Square is recovering from the recession:

  • Sungevity, a residential solar energy services company, is finding success on the Oakland waterfront, expanding its presence and growing its workforce to several hundred employees in the Square.
  • Haven, a bold, new restaurant by Bay Area celebrity chef Daniel Patterson, opened in 2011.
  • Navis, a leading maritime technology and cargo management company, in early 2012 decided to stay in Oakland by moving to the waterfront, preserving a couple of hundred office jobs for our local economy.
  • Senator Barbara Boxer relocated her Bay Area office to JLS – a welcome addition to the Square.
  • Live Culture Company, the organization behind the popular annual Eat Real Festival, is also now based at the Square.

New Playground in the Square

Jack’s Play Space is a new, fun, free, and family space to bring your kids and enjoy Jack London Square!

playground

   

Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race came to Jack London Square in April. The fleet of ten, identical, 68-foot racing yachts, each sponsored by a city, region, or country, are crewed by amateurs – making it the only race in the world where taxi drivers rub shoulders with chief executives, students work alongside bankers, and doctors team up with rugby players.

 

In Leg 6 of the race, the crews set off from Qingdao, China, March 4 for the 5,680 miles at sea until their feet touched our docks at Jack London Square a month later. Jack London Square always has something going on!

   

boat

   

Good Breakfasts Make Good Neighbors

We hosted a Good Neighbor Breakfast meeting on Saturday, April 14th at the West Oakland Senior Center. The Good Neighbor Breakfast is part of our renewed and ongoing community engagement efforts.

 

Port Commissioner Margaret Gordon and staff provided details on several Port projects. The presentations were followed by a 30-minute public input session with approximately 100 attendees.

   

good neighbor

 

Please join us for our next Good Neighbor Breakfast on June 2, 2012. To find out more about the next breakfast or to schedule a briefing with Port staff in the community, please contact our Community Relations Representative Laura Arreola: larreola@portoakland.com; 510-627-1135.

   

 

f

twitter

govdelivery logo

youtube

facebook

   

powering jobs - empowering communities

   

Did you know that the Port of Oakland supports more than 73,000 jobs here in the region and almost 827,000 jobs across the country? For the Bay Area, that’s enough jobs to fill all of the Oakland Coliseum for an A’s game – twice! These jobs are probably held by some of your neighbors, friends, and family – maybe even you.

 

The Port of Oakland recently launched a public education campaign to tell the story of the people working port-related jobs and the many positive economic impacts the Port creates here in Oakland and beyond. You can find out more by clicking here.

 

Largest Vessel to Visit North America Makes Stop at the Port of Oakland

large vessel video

   

On March 21, greeted with much fanfare, the largest container ship ever to visit North America docked at the Port of Oakland. The arrival of MSC Fabiola, a 12,562 TEU (2 TEUs = a 40-foot container) capacity vessel, demonstrated that the Port of Oakland is a world-class port, ready to handle the latest class of “ultra large” container ships. At nearly a quarter-mile long, the MSC Fabiola is a marvel of modern engineering, approximately the length of four football fields and about equal to the height of a 55-story building.

  

Did you know?

The Port of Oakland is the ONLY container Port in California that handles more exports than imports. This includes California agriculture like world-famous Cuties.

   

oranges

   

 

By the Numbers

$300 million – the Port’s approximate annual operating budget, about one third of the City of Oakland’s and about one half of other U.S. West Coast ports like Seattle and Long Beach.

 

2.3 million – the approximate number of TEUs or Twenty Foot Equivalent Units that the seaport handled in 2011, the 5th highest in the nation, up half a percent from 2010.

 

9.5 million – the approximate number of passengers Oakland International Airport (OAK) handled in 2011, down 3% from 2010.

 

 

Cool Video

cool video

   

Check out this video promoting the Port of Oakland’s maritime facilities. Our maritime team uses this in business meetings here at home and overseas to convince job-creating businesses to bring cargo and investment to Oakland and our region.

 

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: MAY – JULY 2012

May 4        

Port of Oakland partners with the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for Heart of the MegaRegion: 3rd Annual MegaRegion Summit

 

May 11      

Special Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

May 17

Regular Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

May 17

East Bay SCORE – De-Mystifying Exports and Imports – Oakland, CA

 

May 21

Port of Oakland 18th Annual Golf Tournament (Scholarship Program Fundraiser)

May 21 – Round Hill Country Club, Alamo, CA – Tel. 510.627.1156

 

May 31

Special Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

June 2

Port of Oakland Good Neighbor Breakfast in East Oakland – Location & Time TBD – Save the date!

 

June 7       

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

June 14     

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

June 21     

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

June 27     

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce 107th Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon

 

July 5

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

July 12

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

July 14

East Bay SCORE De-Mystifying Exports and Imports – Oakland, CA

 

July 19      

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

July TBD

California Wine Export Seminar – San Francisco, CA

 

 

Join Us!

If you are a person seeking a job, a business looking for new opportunities, a community member who wants better parks and cleaner air, a government official looking to support your constituents, join us. We can do more by working together.

 

To find out about job opportunities with the Port of Oakland, one of our valued business partners, or related to one of our many infrastructure projects, click here to contact us.

 

To do business with the Port or learn more about our certification process, click here to contact us.

 

To lease space at Oakland’s Jack London Square, please click here to contact us.

 

To lease space at Oakland International Airport, please click here to contact us.

 

To voice your support for the Port, schedule informational briefings, or request additional details about the positive economic impact of the Port of Oakland, please click here to contact us.

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spacer

 

Currents - The Port of Oakland's Electronic Newsletter to Keep Our Community Current www.portofoakland.com

spacer

April 2012


WELCOME TO CURRENTS!

Welcome to the Port of Oakland’s new Port-wide electronic newsletter, designed to engage and inform our local community and stakeholders across the region. Though we are an independent department of the City of Oakland, we are also a statewide asset. The economic impact of our seaport, airport, and commercial real estate businesses extends from Oakland all the way around the San Francisco Bay, through Northern California, and into the Central Valley. We therefore need to reach everyone locally and regionally to share information about who we are, what we do, and why it matters.

 

In this inaugural issue, you will read stories about what we are doing to develop the Oakland International Airport of the future; how we are transforming the former Oakland Army Base into a trade and logistics hub to support American exports and jobs; how we are partnering with the private sector to develop the Oakland waterfront; and how we are cleaning up the air.

 

Thank you for taking time to read this newsletter. We hope that you will find the content informative and engaging.


Oakland Army Base Redevelopment Update

The Port of Oakland, in partnership with the City of Oakland, State of California, the private sector, and community, labor, and environmental partners, is working hard to move forward on the half billion dollar first phase of the redevelopment of the former Oakland Army Base (OAB).

 

The first phase involves the build-out of the City of Oakland-owned 165-acre development area (see map in green) and the establishment of a new rail terminal on 40 acres of the Port property (see map in blue). This phase will break ground by January 1, 2014. Subsequent phases of the redevelopment include the 7th Street Grade Separation; further expansion of the rail terminal; and additional trade and logistics facilities on Port land. 

  

aerial view

Photo caption: Oakland Army Base aerial view. Port of Oakland’s redevelopment zone highlighted in blue, the City of Oakland’s in green.

 

The public benefits of this project are significant:

  • Reduce truck trips by increasing rail connections at the Port, translating into less wear and tear on roads, reduced emissions, less congestion, and increased safety.
  • Make existing seaport operations more competitive, which will help protect and grow the tens of thousands of jobs maritime operations at the Port already generate across the region.
  • Create thousands of new construction jobs during development, and more operational jobs once developed.

Funding for the $484 million first phase comes from $242 million in state bond funds. These funds will be matched 1-1 by primarily the private sector, followed by City funds previously allocated to the OAB, and Port funds. The Port is competing for a federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant for its rail facility, and will pursue funding for subsequent OAB phases from Alameda County transportation sales tax and additional private investment.

 

To learn more, join us for the May 11 Special Board Meeting, and if you would like to voice your support for this project, please contact Port External Affairs Director Isaac Kos-Read at ikos-read@portoakland.com.  

   

Shore Power = Cleaner Air for All

When it comes to cleaner air, the Port of Oakland is making good progress with its Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan (MAQIP). Earlier this year an independent study by the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, verified a more than 50% reduction in diesel emissions from trucks, which is a good trend toward the ultimate MAQIP goal of an 85% reduction in Port-related diesel health risk by 2020. The next big step is our Shore Power Program, which will ensure that by 2017 the majority of all container ships docked at the Port will plug into the electric grid instead of running their diesel-fueled auxiliary engines while at berth. This will remove thousands of tons of diesel particulate matter and other pollutants from the air.

 

The Shore Power program has multiple elements:

  • Phase 1 includes Berths 56-58, and is in the final testing phases for plug-in by the end of Summer 2012
  • Phase 2 includes the majority of remaining berths, and will be on line by the end of 2013
  • APL, one of our eight marine terminals, already put in their own shore power infrastructure
  • PortsAmerica, another of our terminals, will soon be building its own shore power system
  • While the Shore Power systems are being built, the shipping lines that call the Port of Oakland are retrofitting and upgrading their vessels to plug in, representing $1 billion of cost born by Port customers
  • The total cost of Phases 1 and 2 is around $70 million, of  which about $30 million is funded by a mix of federal and state/local grants;  the balance of the cost is being paid by the Port

We are proud that this project will ensure the Port’s early compliance with California’s leading environmental requirements.

 

Exciting News from Oakland International Airport

Did you know that the Oakland International Airport (OAK) is part of the Port of Oakland? Well now you do!

 

We are very pleased to announce that beginning in June, travelers will be able to fly from OAK to Amsterdam (Netherlands) on Arkefly. The Dutch airline has chosen OAK as its San Francisco Bay Area gateway with twice-weekly service during the summer months. Information/Reservations: 855-808-4015 (toll free).

 

The Port is also working closely with BART to develop the BART Oakland Airport Connector (OAC). Expected to be in service in spring 2014, OAC will be an automated people mover that will replace the AirBART bus system. The OAC system will operate a cable-powered driverless transit vehicle that runs along a dedicated guideway from BART’s Coliseum station to OAK. OAC will drop off riders directly across from OAK’s terminals. Perhaps you’ve noticed the construction of the raised railway running down the center of Hegenberger Road. This is the pathway for OAC which will bring added convenience and save time for all who choose OAK.

 

As the City of Oakland works to create a Coliseum Area Specific Plan, the OAC project also will be a key element moving Oakland toward an “aerotropolis” model. An aerotropolis is an urban planning term used to describe an infrastructure and layout that centers around an “airport economy.” This new aerotropolis translates to a stronger future for the City of Oakland and Oakland International Airport.

   

i love oak

   

Book your flight now and don’t forget the parking coupons we’re offering for OAK: Click here for OAK parking coupons

   

Jack London Square – Nearly 90% Leased!

Jack London Square (JLS) is a beautiful waterfront location. We have a strong partner that’s helping us fill the Square with green businesses, exciting festivals, and innovative restaurants. While the Port still owns the underlying land throughout JLS, nearly two thirds of the commercial space is leased through our Master Developer, Jack London Square Ventures.

 

Despite an incredibly challenging real estate market, nearly 90% of commercial space at JLS is leased. New and expanded leases signal that Jack London Square is recovering from the recession:

  • Sungevity, a residential solar energy services company, is finding success on the Oakland waterfront, expanding its presence and growing its workforce to several hundred employees in the Square.
  • Haven, a bold, new restaurant by Bay Area celebrity chef Daniel Patterson, opened in 2011.
  • Navis, a leading maritime technology and cargo management company, in early 2012 decided to stay in Oakland by moving to the waterfront, preserving a couple of hundred office jobs for our local economy.
  • Senator Barbara Boxer relocated her Bay Area office to JLS – a welcome addition to the Square.
  • Live Culture Company, the organization behind the popular annual Eat Real Festival, is also now based at the Square.

New Playground in the Square

Jack’s Play Space is a new, fun, free, and family space to bring your kids and enjoy Jack London Square!

playground

   

Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race came to Jack London Square in April. The fleet of ten, identical, 68-foot racing yachts, each sponsored by a city, region, or country, are crewed by amateurs – making it the only race in the world where taxi drivers rub shoulders with chief executives, students work alongside bankers, and doctors team up with rugby players.

 

In Leg 6 of the race, the crews set off from Qingdao, China, March 4 for the 5,680 miles at sea until their feet touched our docks at Jack London Square a month later. Jack London Square always has something going on!

   

boat

   

Good Breakfasts Make Good Neighbors

We hosted a Good Neighbor Breakfast meeting on Saturday, April 14th at the West Oakland Senior Center. The Good Neighbor Breakfast is part of our renewed and ongoing community engagement efforts.

 

Port Commissioner Margaret Gordon and staff provided details on several Port projects. The presentations were followed by a 30-minute public input session with approximately 100 attendees.

   

good neighbor

 

Please join us for our next Good Neighbor Breakfast on June 2, 2012. To find out more about the next breakfast or to schedule a briefing with Port staff in the community, please contact our Community Relations Representative Laura Arreola: larreola@portoakland.com; 510-627-1135.

   

 

f

twitter

govdelivery logo

youtube

facebook

   

powering jobs - empowering communities

   

Did you know that the Port of Oakland supports more than 73,000 jobs here in the region and almost 827,000 jobs across the country? For the Bay Area, that’s enough jobs to fill all of the Oakland Coliseum for an A’s game – twice! These jobs are probably held by some of your neighbors, friends, and family – maybe even you.

 

The Port of Oakland recently launched a public education campaign to tell the story of the people working port-related jobs and the many positive economic impacts the Port creates here in Oakland and beyond. You can find out more by clicking here.

 

Largest Vessel to Visit North America Makes Stop at the Port of Oakland

large vessel video

   

On March 21, greeted with much fanfare, the largest container ship ever to visit North America docked at the Port of Oakland. The arrival of MSC Fabiola, a 12,562 TEU (2 TEUs = a 40-foot container) capacity vessel, demonstrated that the Port of Oakland is a world-class port, ready to handle the latest class of “ultra large” container ships. At nearly a quarter-mile long, the MSC Fabiola is a marvel of modern engineering, approximately the length of four football fields and about equal to the height of a 55-story building.

  

Did you know?

The Port of Oakland is the ONLY container Port in California that handles more exports than imports. This includes California agriculture like world-famous Cuties.

   

oranges

   

 

By the Numbers

$300 million – the Port’s approximate annual operating budget, about one third of the City of Oakland’s and about one half of other U.S. West Coast ports like Seattle and Long Beach.

 

2.3 million – the approximate number of TEUs or Twenty Foot Equivalent Units that the seaport handled in 2011, the 5th highest in the nation, up half a percent from 2010.

 

9.5 million – the approximate number of passengers Oakland International Airport (OAK) handled in 2011, down 3% from 2010.

 

 

Cool Video

cool video

   

Check out this video promoting the Port of Oakland’s maritime facilities. Our maritime team uses this in business meetings here at home and overseas to convince job-creating businesses to bring cargo and investment to Oakland and our region.

 

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: MAY – JULY 2012

May 4        

Port of Oakland partners with the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for Heart of the MegaRegion: 3rd Annual MegaRegion Summit

 

May 11      

Special Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

May 17

Regular Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

May 17

East Bay SCORE – De-Mystifying Exports and Imports – Oakland, CA

 

May 21

Port of Oakland 18th Annual Golf Tournament (Scholarship Program Fundraiser)

May 21 – Round Hill Country Club, Alamo, CA – Tel. 510.627.1156

 

May 31

Special Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

June 2

Port of Oakland Good Neighbor Breakfast in East Oakland – Location & Time TBD – Save the date!

 

June 7       

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

June 14     

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

June 21     

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

June 27     

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce 107th Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon

 

July 5

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

July 12

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

July 14

East Bay SCORE De-Mystifying Exports and Imports – Oakland, CA

 

July 19      

Board of Port Commissioners Meeting

 

July TBD

California Wine Export Seminar – San Francisco, CA

 

 

Join Us!

If you are a person seeking a job, a business looking for new opportunities, a community member who wants better parks and cleaner air, a government official looking to support your constituents, join us. We can do more by working together.

 

To find out about job opportunities with the Port of Oakland, one of our valued business partners, or related to one of our many infrastructure projects, click here to contact us.

 

To do business with the Port or learn more about our certification process, click here to contact us.

 

To lease space at Oakland’s Jack London Square, please click here to contact us.

 

To lease space at Oakland International Airport, please click here to contact us.

 

To voice your support for the Port, schedule informational briefings, or request additional details about the positive economic impact of the Port of Oakland, please click here to contact us.

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