The numbers are in for the first four months of the Port of Oakland’s 2017 operations with indication of changes on the horizon. The Port said that 2017 container volume through April was up 2.8 percent over last year. At the same time, the Port states that the number of vessels arriving was down 5.6 percent. “Shipping lines have moved to larger vessels to consolidate cargo and cut costs,” explained Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “We’re the beneficiaries because we can handle volume growth efficiently and sustainably.”
The Port said the average-size vessel visiting Oakland has the capacity to carry more than 8,000 20-foot containers. The average was closer to 5,000 just three years ago. Ships with capacity for 14,000 containers – the largest in North America – call Oakland weekly.
The Port specified that 2017 containerized import volume in Oakland increased 3.5 percent through April. Export volume was up 3 percent.
Click here for the full press release from the Port of Oakland.