Port of Oakland sets plan to shift cargo when terminal closes Ships move to neighbor berths; Saturday and night gates to help cargo flow
Oakland, Calif. – Feb. 9, 2016–The Port of Oakland has set its plan to move containerized cargo once a marine terminal closes March 31. The Port said today its Continuity Plan will keep trade flowing and prevent vessel diversions to other ports.
The plan addresses the impending shutdown of Outer Harbor Terminals LLC, formerly known as Ports America Outer Harbor Terminals LLC. The terminal operator has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced it will leave Oakland.
The Port said its Continuity Plan calls for ships that use Outer Harbor Terminal to relocate to berths at adjacent terminals in Oakland. It said terminals will add labor where necessary and open gates nights and weekends to accommodate additional cargo. The Port will ask its governing Board to approve a $1.5 million Transition Assistance Program for participating terminals.
“We have three objectives with this plan,” said Chris Lytle, the Port’s Executive Director. “We will find a home for all ships that come to Oakland, we will improve cargo-handling processes to move cargo efficiently, and we’ll meet the needs of shippers in Oakland.”
Here are highlights of the Continuity Plan:
The Port said that night and weekend gates will be critical to the success of the program. “The terminals can’t move all of this additional cargo between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” Mr. Lytle said. “We need a smooth, seamless transition from Outer Harbor Terminal and weekend and night gates will make a huge difference.” About the Port of Oakland: The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
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Tags: Port of Oakland, ports