Oakland, CA – (Sept. 14, 2016): Hanjin Shipping vessels return here this week for the first time since the container carrier filed for bankruptcy Aug. 31. The Port of Oakland said the Hanjin Greece is expected to berth late this afternoon. It will be followed Friday by the Hanjin Boston. The container ships are among the first Hanjin vessels to berth at U.S. ports this month.
“For the sake of customers with cargo on those ships, we’re glad this day has finally come,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. “Businesses can’t operate with products stuck at sea.”
Seoul-based Hanjin’s global vessel network has been idle for two weeks while the firm sought protection from creditors. Two ships broke that logjam earlier this week with calls in Southern California. Both are now scheduled to berth at Oakland International Container Terminal on Oakland Estuary.
According to Port data, the Hanjin Greece should discharge about 450 loaded import containers in Oakland. The Boston will unload about 64 import boxes. The Port said that based on current information, no export or empty containers would be loaded back on the ships.
Terminal officials have said they’ll conduct vessel operations despite Hanjin’s bankruptcy filing. The terminal added that it’s releasing Hanjin import containers to customers if it receives advance payment for cargo-handling.
The Port said it doesn’t expect Hanjin’s bankruptcy to dampen long-term cargo volume growth in Oakland. It said Hanjin customers can use competing shipping lines if the Korean carrier’s ships are unavailable.
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.
Media Contacts:
Robert Bernardo
Communications Manager
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1401
Mike Zampa
Communications Director
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1565
###