Port of Oakland on Ports America Outer Harbor bankruptcy

‘We negotiated in good faith, a shame they’ve taken this step’

Oakland, CA – February 1, 2016: The Port of Oakland expressed disappointment today at a decision by Ports America Outer Harbor to file bankruptcy. The decision follows by 13 days an announcement that Ports America Outer Harbor is withdrawing from Oakland on March 31.  The firm operates one of five marine terminals at the Port.

“We’re deeply disappointed in the action today by Ports America,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. “They made a decision to close their business in Oakland. Since then, we’ve been negotiating with them in good faith for a smooth, orderly transition that protects the interests of shipping lines, cargo owners and others who depend on the terminal. It’s a shame they’ve taken this step.”

Reports today said Outer Harbor LLC, formerly known as Ports America Outer Harbor, filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. The Port said it will work to ensure the terminal’s customers aren’t left adrift by the decision.

The Port said it is finalizing plans to redirect ships and cargo to other Oakland marine terminals when Ports America Outer Harbor closes. “We’ll find a home for all of the cargo that was going to Ports America Outer Harbor,” said Mr. Lytle. “We’ll implement measures to improve cargo-handling processes and make this transition successful.”

The Port of Oakland is the third-largest container shipping port in California.  It handles more than 2 million 20-foot containers worth of cargo annually.