The Port of Oakland has set its plan to move containerized cargo once a marine terminal closes March 31. The Port said its Continuity Plan will keep trade flowing and prevent vessel diversions to other ports. The plan addresses the impending shutdown of Outer Harbor Terminals LLC, formerly known as Ports America Outer Harbor Terminals LLC. The terminal operator has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced it will leave Oakland.
The Port said its Continuity Plan calls for ships that use Outer Harbor Terminal to relocate to berths at adjacent terminals in Oakland. It said terminals will add labor where necessary and open gates nights and weekends to accommodate additional cargo. The Port will ask its governing Board to approve a $1.5 million Transition Assistance Program for participating terminals.
Most ships and cargo from Outer Harbor Terminal will relocate to Oakland International Container Terminal in the Port’s Middle Harbor. The rest go to another terminal in Outer Harbor – TraPac. Shipping lines are finalizing agreements with the terminals now to move their cargo.