Port of Oakland breaks new ground on concession agreement

Ports America, a major terminal operator at the Port of Oakland since the 1960’s, will take over management of the terminal in January 2010, at which time it will be responsible for operations, investment in capital improvements and development of the property.

The company plans to invest US$2.5bn over the life of the concession for capital improvements in the Outer Harbour, including building a high density, low emission container intermodal terminal with ship-to-shore power and electric stacking cranes instead of diesel-powered equipment.

The initial 175 acre site (Berths 20-24) includes 1,341 m of berth supported by about 160 acres of storage space. Additionally, the agreement provides for PAOH to acquire the adjacent berths 25 and 26 once the current use agreement for that area expires in June 2013. The combined areas (Berths 20-26) would bring the total berth length to more than 1,676 m, the equivalent of berthing up to six container ships simultaneously.