Oakland, Calif. – Aug.17, 2017: New data indicates the Port of Oakland this year may receive its second-fewest container ship visits in a decade. A Port executive today called it a positive sign.
“This is a good trend,” said Maritime Director John Driscoll. “Our cargo volume is up but with fewer ships, we reduce diesel emissions and ease berth crowding.”
The Port said that through July, 954 container ships have visited Oakland in 2017. That’s down 7.6 percent from 1,032 visits at the same time last year. If the trend persists, vessel calls for the full year would total about 1,650. That would be about 100 fewer ships than Oakland received last year.
The Port said 100 fewer ship calls should result in reduced diesel particulate emissions in Oakland. It should also ease demand for berthing space at the Port’s marine terminals. With less vessel traffic, there’s little need for ships to idle in San Francisco Bay waiting for berths.
Vessel calls in Oakland have declined 15 percent since 2007, the Port said. The low point was 2015 when 1,433 ships visited.
Despite fewer vessel calls, the Port said loaded container volume is up 2 percent in 2017. If that pace holds, Oakland could set a cargo record for the second straight year.
The Port said the phenomenon of more cargo but fewer ships reflects an industry-wide trend. Shipping lines are consolidating container volumes to cut costs, the Port explained. With fewer voyages, they reduce fuel and other operating expenses.
Ships calling Oakland in 2017 are newer and larger, the Port said. It added that modern vessels are more fuel efficient, making them environmentally friendly.
One byproduct of larger ships: they’re loading and unloading about 11 percent more containers per visit, the Port said. That challenges marine terminals and harbor truckers attempting to quickly deliver customers’ cargo. It was pointed out, however, that terminals have overcome the challenge through longer hours of operation and trucker appointments.
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
Mike Zampa
Communications Director
510-627-1565
Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
510-627-1193
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