For Immediate Release
February 24, 2003

OAKLAND, Calif, (February 13, 2003) - The Port of Oakland finished the year 2002 strong with a 3.9 percent gain in overall volume to 1.7 million TEUs. This marked the second-highest total in the Port's history as Oakland begins to capitalize on the completion of its Vision 2000 maritime expansion program.

According to Jerry Bridges, Maritime Director for the Port of Oakland, "In 2002, we saw the successful opening of our new near-dock rail intermodal facility operated by the BNSF railroad, and the opening of our largest container terminal at berths 57-59 which is operated by SSAT." Said Bridges, "These new facilities and the on-going deepening of our channels enhance our ability to accommodate the tremendous opportunities in the trans-Pacific trade."

For the year, loaded import cargo rose 12.5 percent to 547,230 TEUs while exports dropped approximately 3.5 percent to 732,537 TEUs. The number of empty containers in 2002 increased 7.5 percent due primarily to steamship carriers repositioning empties from the US to Asia.

With the completion of Vision 2000, the Port is confident that it has the infrastructure necessary to meet the projected growth in trans-Pacific commerce for the coming years.

Contact:
Harold Jones
Director of Communications
(510) 627-1564
hjones@portoakland.com

Alternate Contact:
Marilyn Sandifur
Manager, Media/Public Relations
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com

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