Port of Oakland optimistic for 2019
The US port of Oakland says it is optimistic about its growth prospects in 2019. Maritime director John Driscoll acknowledged, however, that it is too soon to know exactly how freight markets will respond.
He pointed out that Oakland’s containerised cargo volume reached an all-time high of 2.55 million teu in 2018, 2% higher than in 2017. 2018's import volumes rose by 5%, exports fell by 3.5%, and the transport of empty containers being repositioned for future import use leapt by 19.7%.
The Californian port's strategy calls for growth across its three business lines: aviation, commercial real estate and maritime.
Driscoll went on to say that new plans would soon be finalised to minimize the impact of containerised freight haulage in neighbouring communities. One scheme should further curb exhaust emissions from diesel-powered equipment operating at the port. Another will manage truck traffic. (kd)