Port of Oakland Maritime Expansion

The Port of Oakland is poised for significant growth in cargo volumes, as they prepare for the final stage of channel deepening, and phase-in the development of the former Naval Supply Center and Oakland Army Base properties. The demand that is driving the cargo growth comes from several sources: expanding urban areas reaching south toward Gilroy and east into the San Joaquin Valley; development of inland transload warehouse centers; and relative efficiency of intermodal service. The Port is planning for this potential growth through implementation of their Vision 2000 Program and the "Maritime Development Alternatives Study" (MDAS). The Vision 2000 efforts provided major expansions into land that the U.S. Navy decommissioned. Part of this expansion included the recent completion of marine terminals at Berths 55–56 and Berths 57–59, and the Oakland International Gateway (OIG) rail yard. MDAS subsequently identified discrete elements that could be implemented as market and customer demand warranted. MDAS considered utilization of property decommissioned by the U.S. Army. This property transferred ownership and became available for Port development in August 2006 and the Port is now working to advance toward concept development and implementation. The Port provides a necessary service towards the region/nation's goods movement requirements, but also recognizes its responsibility to minimize impacts on surrounding communities. The Port developments have been planned in close coordination with adjacent city entities. One truck reduction concept is CIRIS (California Inter-Regional Intermodal System), which emphasizes rail transport of cargo to areas normally served by truck transport. The Port has also committed to reducing air quality impacts through green policies and programs, and by setting aside a significant area for truck related activities so that these activities do not occur in the surrounding neighborhoods.