Wider Panama Canal not a Factor in Port of Oakland Operations So Far

Since the opening of the widened Panama Canal in June, Oakland vessel traffic and cargo volumes have continued to increase according to Port data. Industry concerns included warnings that larger ships would detour around the U.S. West Coast given new Panama access. Against suggested trends, the Port’s vessel traffic has increased 12 percent, year-over-year, since the canal expanded. In addition, July and August were two of its three busiest months this year for container-handling. “Our customers need an Oakland gateway – not one thousands of miles away,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll.  “Our job now is to keep them here with good service.”