Port of Oakland to Start Five-Year Record Run in 2018

Californian Port of Oakland is anticipating a five-year run of record cargo volume beginning in 2018.

By 2022, the port expects to handle the equivalent of 2.6 million 20-foot containers annually. The number would represent 8 percent more volume than the port has ever processed in a single year.

The figures were unveiled in a Strategic Maritime Roadmap released by the Port of Oakland this month. The blueprint for the future foresees increased cargo volume arriving at Oakland on ships, which would be 35 percent larger within 15 years and capable of carrying up to 18,000 containers.

“Northern California’s booming freight market will drive the growth,” the port said. New logistics capabilities, such as distribution centers and freight transfer facilities, should provide a further boost, it added.

“We’re serving a thriving area and developing new services for our customers,” John Driscoll, Oakland’s Maritime Director, informed.

The port’s Roadmap forecasts record volume of more than 2.4 million cargo containers in 2018, up from the current record of 2.39 million, set three years ago.