The Port of Oakland is aiming to maintain growth in 2019 despite the uncertain outlook of global trade, according to Maritime Director John Driscoll.
Speaking at Oakland’s annual State of the Port address on January 16, 2018, Driscoll outlined the authority’s intention to provide benefits for customers and communities during the next twelve months.
“The container shipping sector starts the year with uncertainty due to global trade conflicts. Nevertheless, the Port of Oakland remains committed to a growth strategy that provides efficient cargo movement for shippers, jobs for our neighbours and economic stimulus for Oakland.”
Port Maritime Director John Driscoll gave State of the Port address at #WIL and #PMSA luncheon. #Oakland #shipping #PMSA #WIL #maritime pic.twitter.com/b8v1XUbxsZ
— Port of Oakland (@PortofOakland) January 16, 2019
The volume of containers handled at the port totalled over 2.5 million TEU in 2018, the second consecutive year in which Oakland has broken its all-time record.
While an ongoing trade conflict between China and the US could threaten the growth of freight trade in 2019, Oakland’s five-year “Growth with Care” strategy calls for the development of its maritime business line, an approach that Driscoll claims will benefit stakeholders.
Mark Sisson, Senior Port Planner in Oakland, discusses electric yard tractors and their applications in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Highlights of the new initiative include the opening of a 280,000-square foot, temperature-controlled facility for shipping chilled or frozen cargo and preliminary work on a 460,000-square foot distribution centre.
In addition to this, a project to double the size of Oakland’s TraPac marine terminal will also be completed in 2019.
Port of Oakland says goal unchanged though trade outlook hazy; State of Port address highlights growth that's good for shippers, neighbors @PortofOakland @AAPA_Seaports #ports #Shipping #maritime https://t.co/9gmnKFqp0A pic.twitter.com/SztLGXMdkj
— Port of Oakland (@PortofOakland) January 17, 2019
Driscoll underlined the port’s plans to minimize the impact of containerized freight hauling in its neighbouring communities, pledging to reduce the level of exhaust emissions from diesel-powered equipment.
“We’ve worked closely with the community to make sure we properly manage growth at the Port. We’ve heard the concerns of our neighbours, and we’re working to address them.”
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