Port of Oakland Updates
The Port of Oakland and its Oakland International Airport are open for business and fully operational. Please check here regularly for updates on the impact of coronavirus.
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August 24, 2020 - Port of Oakland hybrid electric cranes deliver major emissions savings
The Port of Oakland's largest marine terminal said today it has cut diesel emissions from all 13 of its massive yard cranes by 95 percent after retrofitting them with hybrid electric cranes. Terminal operator Stevedoring Services of America said that the project will eliminate about 1,200 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually from each crane. To read the full story, click HERE.
August 20, 2020 - Latest issue of Maritime Newsletter now available
The August 2020 Maritime Newsletter is now available. This month features the following stories: Maritime Director Bryan Brandes shares outlook, import cargo volume grew 6.4 percent in July, and Port's hybrid electric cranes deliver major emissions savings. To read the newsletter, click HERE.
August 19, 2020 - Port of Oakland's new Maritime Director shares outlook
Maritime Director Bryan Brandes today touted key projects to help the Port through the current global pandemic. In a video update, Mr. Brandes discussed long-term strategies to secure the Oakland Seaport's future. He pointed to the opening of a new logistics center, the arrival of giant container cranes, and increasing cold storage facility. To read the full story, click HERE.
August 18, 2020 - Oakland International Airport reports July 2020 passenger traffic
July 2020 passenger traffic at Oakland International Airport (OAK) increased 34 percent from what was reported for June 2020. In fact, over 86,000 more passengers departed from OAK than did in June. To read the full story, click HERE.
August 12, 2020 - Port of Oakland import cargo volume grew 6.4 percent in July
August 12, 2020 - Import cargo volume increased again at the Port of Oakland last month as U.S. retailers restocked dwindling inventories. The Port said today that containerized import shipments jumped 6.4 percent in July compared to 2019 totals. The step up followed a 1.9 increase in June. To read the full story, click HERE.
August 11, 2020 - Oakland International Airport's latest "OAK & About" newsletter released
The latest Oakland International Airport monthly newsletter provides getaway tips to Reno-Tahoe and welcomes back Delta Air Lines next month. To read the newsletter, click HERE.
August 11, 2020 - PMSA releases video message urging California Governor to prevent loss of cargo marketshare
The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association just released a 1-minute video urging California Governor Newsom and Lt. Governor Kounalakis to help prevent the loss of cargo marketshare at California ports. To view the video click HERE.
July 31, 2020 - Senate version of MTS Emergency Relief Act authorizes critical funding for America's ports
Ports are essential during the pandemic and for any natural disaster. The "Senate version of MTS Emergency Relief Act Authorizes Critical Funding for America’s Ports" is the headline on today's American Association of Port Authorities' press release. Read it HERE.
July 31, 2020 - Summer travel and added flights double passengers at Oakland International Airport
Oakland International Airport announced its latest passenger traffic data revealing significant increases in passenger activity for the month of June when compared to the previous month. Following seismic shifts in travel patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OAK instituted a Resiliency Task Force to monitor, plan and employ safety initiatives during business recovery. To read the full story, click HERE.
July 30, 2020 - Port signs letters requesting federal funding
The Port of Oakland has signed an American Association of Ports Authorities letter, along with many other ports, requesting federal assistance. Port across the nation, including Oakland, are facing financial impacts from the pandemic. The Port also sent a letter requesting funding assistance for U.S. ports and airports to maintain operations during the coronavirus to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Kamala Harris, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. To read the letter to our two U.S. Senators, please click HERE.
July 28, 2020 - Marine terminals observe Harry Bridges birthday
Traffic bunched at the Port of Oakland yesterday as truck drivers rushed to pick up or drop off containers ahead of a holiday today. Marine terminals are observing the birthday of late waterfront labor leader Harry Bridges on the following schedule:
--Everport closed;
--Matson open day shift, closed evening shift;
--Oakland International Container Terminal closed day shift, open evening shift;
--TraPac open.
July 24, 2020 - Port of Oakland sees progress in plan to electrify cargo operations
The Port of Oakland is advancing efforts to electrify containerized cargo handling operations. Environmental Programs and Planning Director Richard Sinkoff highlighted developments for the Board of Port Commissioners yesterday including the following:
--Thirteen massive yard cranes have been converted to hybrid engines over the past year at Oakland International Container Terminal, cutting diesel emissions 95 percent.
--Seven battery-powered trucks are currently being tested at Port tenant GSC Logistics.
--Ten electric-powered trucks are scheduled to begin operation in late 2021 at another Port tenant, Shippers Transport Express.
The Port said it has sufficient electrical capacity to increase the use of battery-powered trucks and cargo-handling equipment in Oakland.
July 23, 2020 - Megaships coming to Port of Oakland
Shipping line MSC disclosed this week it will send three ultra large container vessels to the Port of Oakland this fall. The ships would each have capacity for 19,000 20-foot cargo containers. That would make them among the largest cargo ships ever to call at North American ports. The news is significant for Oakland, which has built up capacity in the past decade to handle so-called megaships. The Port routinely receives calls from ships with capacity for 14,000 containers. It has worked two ships in the past year with 19,000 capacities.
July 23, 2020 - New 30-second video: "Come out to the waterfront!"
The Port of Oakland just released its latest video about outdoor enjoyment at Jack London Square. To see the new 30-second video, click HERE.
July 22, 2020 - Oakland trade shows signs of migrating
Port of Oakland containerized trade showed signs of migrating from China to its Asian neighbors in the first half of 2020. According to data released this week, Oakland imports from China decreased 15 percent from the first half of 2019. Imports from Vietnam climbed 31 percent in that period. Imports from Thailand were up 14 percent, and from Taiwan, 5 percent. Oakland exports to China increased 14 percent in the first six months of 2020. Experts to Thailand were up 29 percent; and to Taiwan, 16 percent.
July 20, 2020 - Canceled sailings declining in Oakland
Voyage cancellations are on the decline at the Port of Oakland. The Port said today that just five scheduled vessel arrivals in Oakland have been scrubbed in July. In August, the number should be down to 1. That’s good news for the Port, which saw 10-to-15 of voyages canceled last spring due to coronavirus. Ports worldwide have seen fewer vessel calls because of a severe falloff in global trade. Oakland has reported a 2.2 percent drop in cargo volume this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. That’s less than the 15 percent average decline reported nationwide.
July 17, 2020 - Latest issue of Maritime Newsletter released
The latest issue of the Port Maritime Newsletter has just been released. To view the newsletter, please click HERE.
July 16, 2020 - Port of Oakland Board votes labor leader Cluver as President
Alameda County labor leader Andreas Cluver has been elected President of the Port of Oakland’s governing Board. The seven-member Board of Port Commissioners chose Mr. Cluver at a special meeting this week. Oakland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barbara Leslie was elected the Port Board’s First Vice President. Commissioners selected well-known Oakland architect Yui Hay Lee as Second Vice President. To read the full story, click HERE.
July 15, 2020 - Port of Oakland real estate view: tough now, but 'sky's the limit'
COVID-19 has caused upheaval for Port of Oakland tenants, but its Commercial Real Estate Director says don’t despair. Better times are coming. “This is a fantastic place to be,” the Port’s Pamela Kershaw said in a video interview today. To read the full story, click HERE.
July 13, 2020 - Trade association letter urges California Governor to take action on loss of California port market share
A broad coalition of trade associations that represent a wide cross-section of the California economy urges California Governor Gavin Newsom to take urgent action to prevent loss of California Port market share. West Coast ports face significant continual decline in market share, and the letter proposes taking steps to address the major causes of the market share loss. To read the letter, please click HERE.
July 9, 2020 - Port of Oakland imports up 1.9 percent in June
Port of Oakland loaded import volume grew 1.9 percent last month from June 2019, according to data released today. The gain was unexpected given that shipping lines canceled 10 percent of their scheduled Oakland visits due to the trade-related impact of coronavirus. To read the full story, click HERE.
July 7, 2020 - Port of Oakland June import volume increased 1.9 percent despite coronavirus
Port of Oakland June import cargo volume increased 1.9 percent over June 2019 totals, according to data released today. The performance was surprising since 10 percent of Oakland vessel calls were scrubbed due to coronavirus-induced trade disruption. The Port said export volume declined 5.7 percent. Total volume dipped 2.3 percent.
July 6, 2020 - Cruise ships idled by coronavirus leaving Oakland
The first of three cruise ships in lay-up at the Port of Oakland departed yesterday. The remaining two are scheduled to leave July 10. The Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel Regatta left Outer Harbor Terminal at 8 a.m. Sunday. Norwegian’s cruise ship Jewel departs Friday from Outer Harbor Terminal and the Seven Seas Mariner will sail from Howard Terminal. The ships have berthed temporarily in Oakland while passenger voyages are banned due to the coronavirus pandemic.
July 3, 2020 - Here's Port of Oakland marine terminal schedule for July 4 weekend
All Port of Oakland marine terminals are open today ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend. Everport and Oakland International Container Terminal will close July 6. Matson and TraPac terminals will open July 6. Go here to see the full Port of Oakland marine terminal July 4 holiday schedule.
July 2, 2020 - Safety and wellness at the Port of Oakland: COVID-19 safe office practices
The Port of Oakland has developed general protocols and practices for all Port offices during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery phases. Port staff are strongly encouraged to develop specific procedures that will relate to individual staff and workspaces in their respective divisions and departments. To review the Port's "COVID-19 Safe Office Practices," please click HERE.
July 1, 2020 - Added flights at Oakland International Airport prompt full reopening of Terminal 2
July will welcome added air travel opportunities for Bay Area residents and visitors as airlines increase capacity at Oakland International Airport (OAK). During the month, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Volaris will each increase flights at OAK after industry-wide declines caused by COVID-19. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 30, 2020 - Number of canceled Oakland voyages drops
Only three scheduled container ship voyages to the Port of Oakland have been cancelled in July and August. That’s a significant improvement from springtime when roughly 15 percent of all Oakland sailings were scrubbed. Container shipping lines have cut voyages due to the drag of coronavirus on global trade. The Port’s Maritime Division said reduced cancellations could signal that trade conditions are improving. The change may also indicate that shipping lines over-reached in paring back sailings earlier in the year.
June 29, 2020 - New Maritime Director takes over at Port of Oakland
Bryan Brandes takes over today as Maritime Director at the Port of Oakland. Mr. Brandes is responsible for all shipping and related activity at the Seaport. He’s a 25-year maritime industry veteran. Before joining the Port, Mr. Brandes was Vice President, Pacific Southwest Region Operations for FlexiVan Leasing. He was previously Director of West Coast Operations for shipping line CMA-CGM. He began his maritime career with Maersk. Mr. Brandes replaces John Driscoll who departed in June to lead the Alabama State Port Authority.
June 29, 2020 - How one Jack London Square restaurant manages in pandemic
Want to know what it’s like operating a popular Bay Area restaurant during a pandemic? Check out this story. It’s from the news website SF Gate. A reporter followed one server at Farmhouse Kitchen in Jack London Square to get the lowdown. The server and restaurant get high marks – not only for extensive health/safety protocols – but for pleasing diners with good food and service.
June 29, 2020 - Port of Oakland Oks FY 2021 budget midst COVID-19 crisis
Coronavirus-induced business declines have prompted the Port of Oakland to curtail Fiscal Year 2021 spending plans. Port Commissioners last week approved a budget for next year down 15.84 percent from FY 2020 levels. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 26, 2020 - July 4 marine terminal holiday schedule posted on Port web site home page banner
The July 4 marine terminal holiday schedule has just been posted on the Port's home page. Click HERE.
June 26, 2020 - Oakland International Airport passengers start to come back
Passenger traffic in June is starting to rebound at Oakland International Airport. The Airport said today that passenger volume has reached, and at sometimes surpassed 20 percent of 2019 totals for the same month. That's an improvement from springtime when Airport business activity was just 5 percent of last year's totals. The Airport attributed the gains to airlines restoring flights that had previously been canceled due to coronavirus, and pent up demand for air travel.
June 25, 2020 - Port leaders to East Bay Businesses: Fly OAK first
The Port and its Oakland International Airport (OAK) are aiming to reinvigorate air travel by taking its message of resilience directly to the East Bay's business community. The air travel industry has begun to show signs of recovery in Oakland after industry-wide declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 24, 2020 - Port calls for investigation of racist hate message at facility leased for maritime operations
The Port of Oakland has learned that the Oakland Police Department is investigating reports of a racist hate message found at a Port facility leased for maritime operations. We restate forcefully that we denounce racial hatred and racial discrimination. It is unlawful for Port of Oakland programs, lessees, tenants, concessionaires and contractors to discriminate against any person because of race or color. We are calling on the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents waterfront employers; and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the dockworkers’ representative, to join in investigating this incident. If investigators identify a perpetrator of racially inspired hate messaging, the Port of Oakland would ask that the perpetrator be permanently barred from employment at Port-owned facilities. We would further urge that criminal charges be pursued against the perpetrator.
June 23, 2020 - Crucial budget vote scheduled June 25
Port of Oakland Commissioners meet June 25 at 4:30 p.m. to vote on the Port’s Fiscal year 2021 budget. The public is encouraged to watch the meeting via Zoom. The annual budget is always a key moment in the Port calendar. It’s even more important this year because the Port is coping with the financial impact of coronavirus. Go here shortly before the meeting starts to watch online.
June 19, 2020 - Port of Oakland Board President speaks out for social justice
Port of Oakland Board President Ces Butner denounced social injustice today as West Coast dockworkers prepared to protest racism. The Port must stand up for what’s right, President Butner declared in an online video interview distributed to employees and the public. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 18, 2020 - Marine terminals to close June 19 for protest
Port of Oakland marine terminals will close June 19 in anticipation of a protest march on Middle Harbor Road. Longshore workers have announced a demonstration at 10 a.m. outside of Oakland International Container Terminal. Crowd estimates of more than 10,000 people have been given. Demonstrators are expected to march from the Port to Oakland City Hall to protest racial injustice. Longshore workers and waterfront employers jointly agreed to close terminals in recognition of the protest.
June 18, 2020 - Port of Oakland getting giant cranes in September
The Port of Oakland said today it will receive three new ship-to-shore cranes Sept. 14. The 300-foot-tall cranes will be installed at Oakland International Container Terminal. They're believed to be the tallest ship-loading cranes in North America. SSA Terminals, the terminal operator, is purchasing the cranes for $30 million. The cranes will enable loading and unloading of the world's largest container ships. Shanghai-based ZPMC is manufacturing the cranes. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 16, 2020 - Oakland International Airport passenger traffic increased in May
Oakland International Airport today announced that newly-released data for May 2020 show passenger traffic activity inching up from April. The Airport counted 105, 593 passengers for the month, more than double the 48, 819 passengers in April. Traffic is still 91.2 percent behind the same period in 2019. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 15, 2020 - See the Port's video on health and safety protocols
The Port of Oakland continues to comply with Alameda County health directives related to coronavirus. Many of its employees continue to work from home or on staggered schedules at work locations. To help re-introduce employees to the workplace when they return, the Port has developed an instructional video. You can see it here.
June 12, 2020 - Port of Oakland picks longtime shipping vet as Maritime Director
Longtime shipping industry executive Bryan Brandes has been named Maritime Director at the Port of Oakland. The Port said today he was selected following a nationwide search. Mr. Brandes, a 25-year maritime veteran, replaces John Driscoll who left to manage the Alabama State Port Authority. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 11, 2020 - Port of Oakland loaded box volume declines in May as expected
Port of Oakland loaded container volume decreased 12.7 percent in May 2020 from 2019 totals, according to data released today. The Port had been expecting cargo decline due to continued COVID-19 impacts on global shipping. The Port pointed to lower consumer demand in domestic and foreign markers, both driven by Coronavirus pandemic uncertainty. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 9, 2020 - Oakland International Airport launches media campaign aimed at recovery: "We're ready to see you all fly the East Bay Way once again"
Oakland International Airport has launched a month-long broadcast media campaign intended to welcome travelers back following dramatic industry-wide declines caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 9, 2020 - Statement from PMA on protest at ports today
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) - the organization that hires longshore labor at West Coast Ports, issued the following statement on June 8:
Peaceful protesters on the West Coast and throughout the nation continue to bring urgent attention to the inequalities that stretch far back in our nation’s history and continue today. West Coast ports are joining the national conversation, beginning with an extended period of silence on Tuesday, June 9 at 9 a.m. in honor of George Floyd. Terminal operations at all 29 West Coast ports will be idled for eight minutes and 46 seconds – the amount of time a police officer knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck, leaving him gasping for air before he died. The action is in recognition of the deaths of Mr. Floyd and so many others, and the institutional racism which too often leads to significantly diminished life opportunities for Black Americans. All cranes will cease operation along with the gates, trucking, on-dock rail and other activities. “We would like to think our nation offers equal opportunity and protection for all, regardless of one’s skin color, zip code, or background, but the stark reality is far more discouraging,” said PMA CEO Jim McKenna. “We need to call out the inequities that exist and work together for permanent and positive change with focus, hope and inspiration.” Many of the West Coast ports are located in diverse cities where peaceful protests are taking place, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Portland. West Coast
ports handle a majority of the maritime cargo that helps fuel the U.S. economy, brings vital goods and medical supplies to local communities, and supports millions of American jobs.
June 8, 2020 - Eighty-one departures scheduled at Oakland International Airport
Airlines scheduled 81 departing flights from Oakland International Airport today, Port of Oakland aviation officials said. That was roughly twice the number of average daily take-offs at Oakland in the past month. The Airport said air carriers are restoring flights after drastically curtailing schedules early this spring midst the coronavirus pandemic. Southwest Airlines is adding up to 30 departures to its Oakland schedule daily, the Airport said. Even more take-0ffs are likely to be added in July, the Airport said. Travelers were cautioned to confirm schedules with airlines, since flight cancellations are still possible.
June 6, 2020 - Read the Port of Oakland statement on racial justice
The Port of Oakland, as a member of the Oakland East Bay community and a public enterprise of international commerce, supports the movement for social and racial justice. The May 25 killing of George Floyd at the hands of police is another in a long running list of examples of outrageous official violence against Black and Brown people in this country. The anger and anguish expressed in public demonstrations are rightful and gut-wrenching. Many Port employees are personally affected, and the Port supports the full airing of the impacts and implications of continuing injustice. The Port recognizes that justice and equality will not happen if institutions continue to perpetuate the systems of discrimination and violence, as is the case with the practices of too many police departments and with government policies based on racist myths repeated by too many politicians. The Port supports a thorough reckoning of the nation’s racist history in order to end violence against our lives, to enrich our human spirit and to achieve social and economic enterprises that are just and fair.
June 5, 2020 - Oakland International Airport adding flights, first sign of recovery
Oakland International Airport expects to offer approximately 70 commercial flight departures daily beginning this month. That’s up from the 40-to-50 departures most days this spring in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Southwest Airlines initiates a significant schedule uptick in Oakland beginning June 7. The increase is a sign that recovery in the travel sector may be underway. The Airport said it expects up to 95 daily departures beginning in July.
June 5, 2020 - Cold chain investment for Port of Oakland paying off (Reprinted from Logistics Management)
By Patrick Burnson, Executive Editor
San Francisco –California’s leading outbound ocean cargo gateway had some good news to relate this week, as meat exports to Asia surged at the Port of Oakland.
Meat exports jumped 26 percent in the first quarter of 2020 over Q1 2019.
The port said it now controls 42 percent of the market for meat exports leaving U.S. West Coast ports. Its nearest competitor, the Port of Long Beach, has 31 percent of the market.
The port said it’s too soon to know if it can sustain bullish growth while coronavirus rattles global markets. But anything resembling Q1 performance would reaffirm Oakland’s big bet this decade on refrigerated exports. The port and business partners invested millions on facilities that handle refrigerated shipments, known as “cool cargo.” The payoff: Oakland exported the equivalent of 15,000 20-foot containers of meat in Q1.
“That’s a gratifying number in the middle of a pandemic,” said Port of Oakland Acting Maritime Director Delphine Prevost. “But there’s still uncertainty about the implications of this health crisis on our business. We are monitoring our business closely.”
Prévost was appointed Acting director of maritime on May 6, 2020. Her responsibilities include building and growing maritime business.
Oakland’s total cargo volume is down 5 percent in 2020 due to coronavirus, the port said. Exports, up 3.7 percent, have helped soften the blow. The Port said meat shipments – beef, pork and poultry - now account for 10 percent of total export volume.
Oakland listed three reasons for its booming business in shipping refrigerated cargo overseas:
Asian demand: As middle-class economies spread throughout Asia, the desire for high-quality U.S. products, especially farm goods, grows.
Location: Oakland is the closest export gateway for California Central Valley growers and connects by rail to Midwest producers.
Ship schedules: Container ships headed to Asia stop first in Southern California, then in Oakland before crossing the Pacific. Exporters prefer to load perishables at the last possible moment in Oakland to extend shelf life.
The port said it has increased meat export volume 51 percent in the past three years. The biggest growth markets: China, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea and Japan.
China trade benefited from a tariff cease-fire with the U.S. early this year, port spokesmen pointed out. It was also spurred by pork shortages in China.
“The coronavirus impact on U.S. meat production has not been as severe as originally anticipated,” observes the port’s director of communication, Michael Zampa.
June 4, 2020 - Activity picking up a bit at Oakland International Airport
Things are starting to turn around at Oakland International Airport. It's not as empty as it was in April. That's what Port of Oakland Aviation Director Bryant Francis said this morning on a live interview with KCBS radio. That's good news after shelter-in-place orders slashed Oakland passenger traffic by 95 percent in April. Bryant said passenger traffic increased over Memorial Day Weekend. It should pick up more beginning June 7 when Southwest Airlines adds 30 flights to its daily schedule. Bryant said domestic leisure travel will lead the recovery. It could take 2-to-3 years for international flights to recover, he added. To listen to the radio segment, please click on the audio file below.
June 4, 2020 - Port of Oakland meat exports soar, bet on 'cool cargo' paying off
June 4, 2020 - Midst a devastating pandemic that's crippling economies worldwide, here's a Port bright spot: meat exports to Asia. The Port said today its meat exports jumped 26 percent in the first quarter of 2020 over Q1 2019. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 3, 2020 - Oakland International Airport exec: 'fliers itching to hop aboard'
June 3, 2020 - Coronavirus recovery could come slowly to the aviation section, Oakland International Airport's top executive warned today. But Bryant Francis expressed confidence that travelers would soon begin returning to the skies. To read the full story, click HERE.
June 2, 2020 - Airport and Port open, operational despite curfew
Operations continue uninterrupted at Oakland International Airport and the Port of Oakland in the wake of an Alameda County curfew imposed this week. Both installations said planes, ships, trucks and trains continue to transport people and cargo. The curfew has been ordered in the wake of violence and vandalism stemming from protests over the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd.
June 2, 2020 - Message from Oakland International Airport and Alameda County Sheriff's Office on curfew
Alameda County Sheriff Gregory J. Ahern has issued a countywide curfew (including the City of Oakland) nightly, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day, starting June 1, 2020 through June 5, 2020 at 5 a.m., unless the Sheriff rescinds it earlier and with some limited exemptions.
More specifically, no person, except as exempted, shall be on any public street, avenue, boulevard, place, walkway, alley, park or any public area, or unimproved private property within the boundaries of the County of Alameda between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. of the following day, beginning at 8 p.m. June 1, 2020. The curfew order and emergency proclamation can be found on the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office web site: https://www.alamedacountysheriff.org/.
A notable exception is for individuals travelling to/from home or a workplace. Please also note that various cities in Alameda County also have curfews in place, which may be more or less restrictive than the one issued by the Alameda County Sheriff.
Although not specifically exempted in the Sheriff’s curfew, Oakland International Airport airline passengers and those picking them up / dropping them off at the Airport should be OK if not violating other laws (law enforcement may ask for details / proof such as flight information, airline name, departure/arrival time information, etc.).
June 1, 2020 - Message from Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan to Port staff on Minneapolis, aftermath
Dear Colleagues,
Midst a global pandemic, an old menace continues to haunt the nation’s soul: racial injustice. Protests erupted across the country this past weekend following yet another death of a black man that can only be explained in the context of our nation’s history of applying unequal values to human lives. The Port of Oakland was part of the reaction to events. An estimated 4,000 protestors peacefully staged their caravan protest from the Port’s Middle Harbor Shoreline Park Sunday. Today, seaport operations are normal.
The Port was not immune to the vandalism and looting that was unfortunately mixed into the protests. A Jack London Square business Saturday night suffered damage and theft. Sadly, the angry and sometimes opportunistic violence and destruction in Oakland and across the country were almost inevitable after George Floyd died at the hands – or knee – of a white policeman May 25. We watched over the course of the week as Americans migrated from sadness to bitterness to rage in a vacuum of national leadership. The tragic bookend to Mr. Floyd’s unfathomable demise: an Oakland shooting May 29 that left a security guard dead.
I decry violence and destruction.
More importantly in this time of a national crisis of leadership, I affirm the values that the Port of Oakland stands for on behalf of every Port employee, Port management and the Board of Port Commissioners. The Port of Oakland stands for equality of opportunity for everyone in our country to live freely, productively and without fear of violence, and for valuing the contributions and talents of employees and people no matter the race, gender identity and its expressions, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or physical barriers.
These are not just words. The Port has realized and continues to live up to our values. Port policies and programs are designed to provide equality of opportunity. We’ve seen our programs pay off. They’ve diversified our workforce and leadership from rank and file staff to the executive office and right up to the Board Room. Among our peers in the port industries, the Port is among the first, if not the first, to promote leaders of all races, genders and sexual orientation. Our employee-driven Diversity and Inclusion program has drawn staff closer together. Under the leadership of the Board of Port Commissioners, the Port has pioneered programs to create good paying jobs not just for Port employees but also for members of our communities who work on Port properties and for Port contractors. Each of us knows that the Port's purpose is not just to operate an enterprise, but also to accrue benefits to communities around us, some of which have suffered from historic injustice and economic redlining.
We also acknowledge that the Port relies on its partners to live our values: 1) our tenants and operators at the Port who share our values of equal opportunity and community benefits; 2) our longshore workers who adhere to the values of social justice, and importance of peaceful demonstrations; 3) our communities who advise us on community benefits and help us thrive operationally and 4) our City of Oakland colleagues who assist the Port every day in maintaining health and safety.
I’ve spoken to a number of you since this nationwide crisis began. I’ve heard about your anger, fear and pain and I don’t want you to bear the burden alone. If you need to discuss what you’re feeling, contact our Human Resources Department…or call me. I can’t make our national nightmare go away. But I can pledge that the Port will demonstrate equality of opportunity and fairness. That has been our heritage throughout 93 years of service to Oakland and the East Bay. We should be proud.
Danny Wan
Executive Director
Port of Oakland
May 29, 2020 - Port summer harbor tours postponed
The Port of Oakland is suspending its free harbor tours in May and June for the 2020 harbor tour season due to the COVID-9 outbreak. For more information please click HERE.
May 29, 2020 - Sneak peak at new Oakland International Airport commercial
Oakland International Airport is gearing up for more passenger traffic when coronavirus-related travel concerns ease. To remind travelers of Oakland’s critical role in the Bay Area, the Airport plans to broadcast new television commercials. They debut June 1 on ABC, CBS and PBS in the San Francisco Bay Area. Here’s a sneak preview of what you’ll see.
May 28, 2020 - Despite pandemic, Oakland ag exports increase
A bright spot for the Port of Oakland midst the coronavirus pandemic continues to be agricultural exports. According to shipping bible the Journal of Commerce, Oakland ag exports increased 4.6 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach increased export shipments 3.9 percent. The ports of Seattle and Tacoma saw exports decline 15 percent. Oakland is well-known as a leading gateway to Asia for U.S. farm goods. The Port’s export volume continues to grow despite the negative impact of coronavirus on global trade.
May 28, 2020 - Watch for Oakland International Airport TV commercials
Oakland International Airport is getting ready to welcome travelers back to the skies in greater numbers. The Airport debuts a commercial on San Francisco Bay Area television stations June 1. It reminds travelers that the Airport has served the region for more than 90 years. The Airport says it anticipates more passengers in coming months when coronavirus-related restrictions ease. Look for the TV spots on ABC, CBS and PBS.
May 27, 2020 - TV crew expected at Jack London Square
Don't be surprised if you find TV cameras at Jack London Square tomorrow. An MSNBC crew will be at the Square's ferry dock lawn beginning at 7 a.m. The crew is producing a live report on coronavirus in Alameda County. The Port of Oakland isn't expected to be a central element of the story.
May 26, 2020 - Airlines slowly reviving flights (reprinted from SF Gate)
Although the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, some airlines are testing the waters of increased capacity and a revival of some routes as a trickle of new bookings starts to come in. Still, all route news from airlines these days comes with the caveat that schedules are subject to change – i.e., just because a flight is back on the books, don’t assume it will operate.
In addition, travelers who dare to get on an aircraft – especially for international travel – will have to do their homework to find out what kind of restrictions they might be subject to at the destination. Hawaii recently extended its mandatory 14-day quarantine for arriving travelers through the end of June, the U.K. is planning to impose a similar restriction on non-E.U. arriving travelers, and the U.S. has its own rules for returning international travelers, including a self-quarantine requirement for some.
May 22, 2020 - Port of Oakland continues vital role despite pandemic
Our way of life has changed. Shelter-in-place in the wake of COVID-19 has saved lives while putting millions of Americans on unemployment and companies, big and small, at risk. We do not know what business in Northern California, across the nation, and around the world will look like in the next few months or the next few years. However, the Port of Oakland is doing what it can to be ready for change.
The Port of Oakland is open for business
The Port of Oakland supplies essential infrastructure and operations. Although significantly fewer in numbers, ships and flights are arriving and departing from the Oakland Seaport and Oakland International Airport (OAK).
“During this extraordinary time, I extend my sincere thanks to the thousands of men and women who keep the seaport and airport operating and cargo and people moving,” said the Port of Oakland’s executive director Danny Wan. “At the same time, we are vigilant about social distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks to protect our loved ones and community.”
Every day heroes are among us: At the Oakland Seaport there are dockworkers, truckers, marine terminal operators, ship crews, federal officers, warehouse workers, port staff and railroad crews; and at Oakland International Airport we have custodians, maintenance workers, concessions employees, air traffic controllers, law enforcement, firefighters, port staff, and airline personnel.
Health directives
The Port of Oakland is supporting and promoting the new health directives aimed at protecting workers and the public by making personal protective equipment available to port staff at both the airport and seaport and through consistent communications about best practices for staying healthy during the pandemic.
Marine terminal operators are deep-cleaning work areas and equipment at the Oakland Seaport terminals nightly. Port staff repeatedly clean and sanitize Oakland International Airport.
As a humanitarian effort, in March, the Port of Oakland supported a federal and state operation to screen and process over 2,000 Grand Princess cruise ship passengers after several tested positive for COVID-19 while at sea. All passengers began a 14-day quarantine after taken by bus to Travis Air Force Base or to chartered planes launched from OAK to domestic and international destinations.
The ship left Oakland March 16 from berth 22. Thorough sanitizing of the 11-acre area was completed March 26. Federal officials said the area could be safely reoccupied for commercial purposes.
Seeking financial relief
Despite a drop of more than 90 percent of our Aviation passenger business, OAK remains open. Shipping lines have scrubbed 20 May and June voyages at Oakland. The result could be a 5-15 percent drop in containerized cargo volume heading into summer.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced $10 billion in CARES Act aid for U.S. Airports. OAK is to receive about $44 million. Although appreciative of this support, airports including OAK expect that the grant funds will fall far short of revenue loss.
The Port of Oakland does not receive local tax revenues. It relies on the revenues it generates to fund operations. The port will be looking for state and federal relief to help weather this economic storm.
Legacy of strength, innovation, and commitment
The Port of Oakland’s 93-year presence shows its ability to get through tough times. It has implemented many creative programs and technology in its history to overcome obstacles, and improve its operational efficiency, sustainability and customer service. Although no one can predict how long the impacts from this pandemic will be, port staff are already adapting and planning for change.
“Our workforce is innovative and dedicated to serving our customers, our communities and each other, while keeping ourselves as safe as possible,” said Mr. Wan. “We’ll get through this together.”
May 22, 2020 - Port of Oakland looks to lead East Bay rebound from COVID-19
This region's economic rebound from coronavirus would most likely start at the Port of Oakland. That's what the Port's Executive Director told East Bay business and civic leaders this week while seeking their support. To read the full story, click HERE.
May 21, 2020 - Oakland International Airport Director: 'We know travelers will eventually return in greater numbers'
A steep decline in air travel is one of the many shifts in culture caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. With California and many other states under Shelter in Place orders since mid-March, Oakland International Airport now reports that it experienced a 96 percent decline in passenger traffic during the month of April, compared with April 2019. To read the full story, click HERE.
May 20, 2020 - Oakland International Airport passenger traffic plummets
Oakland International Airport reported today that it served 45,819 passengers last month. That was down 96 percent from 451,799 passengers in April 2019. The decline was attributed to the coronavirus pandemic which has crippled air travel worldwide.
May 19, 2020 - More than 300 see Port update video, watch it now
More than 300 people have viewed the Port of Oakland update interview with Executive Director Danny Wan since it was posted yesterday. You can see it here now.
May 18, 2020 - Port of Oakland COVID-19 response enters new phase
It's time to address the financial impact of coronavirus, Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan said today. In a widely distributed video, the Port executive said his organization is readying countermeasures to offset crippling revenue declines. His stated aim: keep the Port and its Oakland International Airport operational. To read the full story click HERE.
May 15, 2020 - Oakland International Airport makes traveling safer with new health and safety precautions
KTVU-2 news: Oakland International Airport easing travel worries with new health, safety guidelines. Click HERE.
Airport Technology News: Oakland International Airport establishes task force amid COVID-19. Click HERE.
American Journal of Transportation: Oakland International Airport prepares for 'new normal' of travel. Click HERE.
May 14, 2020 - Oakland International Airport's latest "OAK & About" newsletter released
The latest edition of Oakland International Airport's "OAK & About" newsletter has just been released. To view the newsletter, click HERE.
May 14, 2020 - Oakland International Airport prepares for 'new normal' of travel
As the air travel industry adjusts to the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is taking steps to protect travelers and workers--both now and in the future. OAK has instituted a Resiliency Task Force to examine all aspects of the Airport's management and operations, both short-term and long-term sustainability. To read the full story, click HERE.
May 13, 2020 - May 2020 edition of the Port of Oakland Maritime Newsletter released
The latest edition of the Port Maritime Newsletter (May 2020) has just been released. Please click HERE.
May 12, 2020 - Oakland International Airport air service updates
Below is a list of air service and the associated airline at Oakland International Airport (updated May 11, 2020). For more information about Delta Air temporarily suspending service at OAK, please click HERE.
Nonstop Flights from OAK on sale now for June 2020:
Phoenix – Southwest
Honolulu – Alaska, Hawaiian, Southwest
Kailua-Kona – Alaska, Southwest
Kahului – Alaska, Hawaiian, Southwest
Lihue – Alaska, Hawaiian, Southwest
Seattle – Alaska, Southwest
Portland – Alaska, Southwest
Atlanta – Delta, Southwest
Salt Lake City – Southwest
Phoenix-Mesa – Allegiant
Bellingham – Allegiant
Eugene – Allegiant
Kalispell-Glacier Park – Allegiant
Idaho Falls – Allegiant
Las Vegas – Allegiant, Southwest, Spirit
Missoula – Allegiant
Crescent City – Contour
Terceira Island – Azores
Albuquerque – Southwest
Austin – Southwest
Nashville – Southwest
Boise – Southwest
Burbank – Southwest
Baltimore – Southwest
Dallas – Southwest
Denver – Southwest
Spokane – Southwest
Houston – Southwest
Los Angeles – Southwest
Long Beach – Southwest
Kansas City – Southwest
Chicago – Southwest
New Orleans – Southwest
Ontario – Southwest
San Diego – Southwest
Orange County – Southwest
Saint Louis – Southwest
Leon – Volaris
Guadalajara – Volaris
Mexico City – Volaris
Morelia – Volaris
Important to Note:
- Hundreds more destinations are available from OAK by one-stop or connecting service. Please check with air carriers at their website for complete schedules.
- The list of nonstop flights for sale from OAK during the month of June was accurate at the time of publication (5/11/2020) and is subject to change.
May 11, 2020 - May ship calls likely down 13 percent
About 13 percent of scheduled May vessel arrivals at the Port of Oakland have been canceled, the Port said today. The Port attributed the cancellations to declining demand for shipping in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic. The Port said cancellations could result in a 13-to-17 percent decrease in May cargo volume. Empty container availability for exporters may decline, as well, the Port said, with fewer ships arriving in Oakland. That will be watched closely since export cargo volume has grown 3.7 percent so far in 2020. To read the fully story, click HERE.
May 9, 2020 - See what media is saying about cruise ships in Oakland
3 cruise ships to anchor at Port of Oakland
Three cruise ships to dock at Port of Oakland, no known COVID-19 cases
Three cruise ships to dock at Port of Oakland; no link to COVID-19 infections
3 cruise ships with no passengers will dock at Port of Oakland
3 passenger cruise ships to dock at Port of Oakland
3 Norwegian cruise ships to dock at Port of Oakland
Cruise ships docking in Port of Oakland
May 8, 2020 - Three cruise ships to tie up in Oakland
Three passenger vessels will idle here with only crew and without passengers while the U.S. embargoes cruise operations, the Port of Oakland said today. The Port said it has not received reports of any cases of coronavirus associated with the vessels.
According to the Port, two Norwegian Cruise Line vessels will tie up at Oakland’s Outer Harbor Terminal, which is currently not in use for the Port’s container shipping business. Another will dock at Howard Terminal on the Oakland Estuary. That terminal is no longer considered large enough for container operations. The ships could remain at berth for 2-to-3 months, according to the cruise line.
The first two vessels are scheduled to arrive May 9. The third is expected May 10.
The Port said it is making berth space available because approximately 100 cruise ships worldwide are seeking safe harbor. An estimated 80,000 crew members are aboard passenger liners at sea waiting to tie up. Other U.S. ports, for example some in Florida and Virginia are already providing berth space for cruise ships.
“We’re a container port, but we’re still in the shipping business,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “These ships are under federal requirements to report health concerns, and we understand that they haven’t had a history of coronavirus, so we’ll do what we can to help.”
The Coast Guard and Norwegian Cruise Lines have not reported any cases of coronavirus aboard the vessels, the Port said. The cruise operator said the ships would be managed by small crews. There are no plans for crew members to disembark in Oakland, the Port said. If crew members must disembark, the cruise line would have to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control first, the Port said. That would require submitting a disembarkation plan to state, federal and Port authorities.
No passengers would be on board when the ships arrive nor would the vessels conduct passenger operations while in Oakland, the cruise line said.
The U.S. government has banned cruise operations at U.S. ports during the coronavirus pandemic. Most cruise lines globally have suspended operations.
Oakland doesn’t serve passenger liners, but in March, it provided an emergency berth to the cruise ship Grand Princess. Hundreds of passengers disembarked from that ship, some who tested positive for COVID-19.
Numerous cruise ships globally have reported exposure to coronavirus. The Port re-emphasized, however, that it has not received any reports of coronavirus cases among passengers or crews on the Oakland-bound ships.
The Port said it regularly provides berth space to cargo ships in long-term lay-ups. The ships are located at sites not actively used for vessel operations, the Port added.
May 7, 2020 - A bump in April loaded cargo volume, but decline likely ahead
May 6, 2020 - Loaded cargo volume in April may have increased slightly, but....
April loaded container volume totals may be up slightly when they're reported later this week, the Port of Oakland said today. The Port said preliminary data shows that container loads last month were up about 0.1 percent compared to April 2019. The Port cautioned, however, that its total volume, which includes empty container repositioning, is likely to be down. It added that volume is likely to decline in May and June due to the cancellation of some vessel arrivals. About 11 percent of scheduled voyages to Oakland have been scrubbed by shipping lines, the Port said. The cancellations are blamed on the coronavirus which has blunted economic activity worldwide.
May 5, 2020 - Read Port of Oakland Executive Director's latest message to staff
The Alameda County Health Officer has issued a new county-wide Shelter in Place (“SIP”) order in response to the continued health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The new SIP supersedes the March 31, 2020 order. The new SIP order will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2020 and maintains the social distancing protocols necessary to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
The Port operations continue to be deemed “Essential Infrastructure” as the result of our Airport and Seaport operations. The entire region is still relying on the Port of Oakland to provide these essential services during this unprecedented time. To date, the Airport and Seaport have not experienced any service interruptions because of your hard work and dedication to the region.
The Port will continue with the A-B Grouping Resiliency Program and protocols established to maintain social distancing throughout the organization. Face coverings remain required when:
- Interacting in person with the public;
- Being in any room or enclosed area when other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present;
- Working in any space visited by members of the public, such as reception areas, service counters, public restrooms, waiting rooms, service areas, and other spaces used to interact with the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time; or
- Working in or walking through common areas such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities.
As we all do our part to social distance and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, I remind you that maintaining good hygiene is critical to keeping yourself, and those with whom you interact, healthy. Again, I sincerely thank you for your hard work and dedication to the Port and those that depend on our services during this time.
Thank you,
Danny Wan, Executive Director
Port of Oakland
May 4, 2020 - Golf course at Airport reopens - see manager's statement:
Our golf course will be opening on May 4 as an outdoor activity and option for exercise that is beneficial to the general public. We have implemented a series of increased sanitary and cleaning standards in order to minimize guest’s and employee’s exposure to the COVID-19 virus. These changes include:
- Check-in for golf will be in a designated space limited to one guest at a time
- Single players only, unless from the same household
- Walking only, no carts allowed
- We ask that all guests pay with credit card (no cash)
- The driving range has been reduced to 50% capacity
- Doors will be propped open to avoid touch points
- Ball washers have been removed from the golf course to reduce touch points
- Rakes have been removed from the golf course bunkers to reduce touch points (play as ground under repair)
- The cups have been raised above ground level and flag sticks are to remain in place to avoid touch points
- Cleaning of high touch points has been increased to 4 to 6 times per day
- Employees at point of sale stations wear gloves and masks
- All employees have received additional training on sanitary standards
- Guests are to wear a mask or face covering in or around the clubhouse
We ask that all of our customers assist in strict adherence to these standards as violations could result in the closing of the golf course. Any customer not following the rules will be asked to leave the course immediately. Thank you for your support and if you have any questions you may contact our General Manager at [email protected].
May 1, 2020 - News report: airlines require face masks
A news report today says all major U.S. airlines would begin requiring face masks on flights. The requirement would go into effect this month. You can read the full text of the article here.
May 1, 2020 - Mask requirement working well at Airport
Oakland International Airport said today that a face mask requirement at its terminals is working well. The Airport began enforcing an Alameda County requirement April 22 mandating face coverings for everyone in its terminals. The Airport said it has had few instances of visitors without masks. Airport employees, travelers, vendors -- everyone is required to cover their faces inside the Airport.
May 1, 2020 - Southwest Airlines publishes promise
Southwest Airlines today issued a Southwest Promise addressing health and safety protocols for travelers. The document details protocols for cleaning, disinfecting and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Southwest is the largest airline flying at Oakland International Airport. You can read the Southwest Promise here.
April 30, 2020 - Port of Oakland to state agency: help us cope with COVID-19
Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan praised his agency’s coronavirus response yesterday but issued a plea for help. The Port’s top official asked a key state regulator to support financial stabilization efforts as the pandemic cripples businesses.
“The Port of Oakland is operational in these unprecedented, challenging times and has stepped up for the state’s emergency response,” Mr. Wan told the State Lands Commission. “But we will need to adapt our business model to new realities and ask the Commission to continue to work with us to find creative, workable solutions to stabilize our finances.”
The Executive Director joined a video conference to address Commissioners assessing the impacts of COVID-19 in California. The Commission regulates the use of land entrusted to the Port nearly a century ago under the State Tidelands Trust.
Mr. Wan highlighted the Port’s official role as critical community infrastructure during the coronavirus pandemic. He pointed to three specific contributions:
- Continuing operations at Oakland International Airport even though passenger traffic has declined 95 percent;
- Full operations at the Port of Oakland Seaport, though total cargo volume dropped 11 percent last month;
- Berthing the cruise ship Grand Princess last month to discharge passengers, some with COVID-19.
“Our staff, tenants and customers have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 crisis from the outset,” Mr. Wan said. “While our staff resources have been strained to their full limits and beyond, we are all completely dedicated to providing essential governmental functions and essential business services on behalf of our first responders and residents.”
Mr. Wan told Commissioners that the Port has concentrated on the health and safety of staff and customers. Now it’s coming to grips with a severe revenue shortfall. The Port doesn’t receive tax revenue, the Executive Director pointed out. With Airport and Seaport income falling, the Port expects to report steep financial losses in fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
The Port has stopped discretionary spending and suspended hiring and travel, Mr. Wan said. “We can no longer expect any semblance of business as usual in our operations,” the Executive Director declared.
Mr. Wan said the Port is seeking assistance from government relief programs. He asked the Commission to advocate for those efforts.
“We’re confident in our ability to be resilient amidst the crisis,” Mr. Wan said. “We ask that you partner with us in in a manner that is consistent both with this new reality and with the principles set forth with the Tidelands Trust.”
April 30, 2020 - Terminals closed tomorrow for annual observance
Port of Oakland marine terminals will close tomorrow for an annual May Day observance. The one-day closure isn't related to the coronavirus pandemic. Under agreement with terminal operators, longshore workers receive a night shift off one Thursday each month for union meetings. This month, the time off is being shifted to May 1 for the observance.
April 29, 2020 - Port addresses State Lands Commission on COVID-19 impact
Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan addresses the California State Lands Commission this afternoon on COVID-19 impacts at the Port of Oakland. The Commission regulates the Port’s land use activities under the State Tidelands Trust. The Executive Director is expected to address the Commission at about 1:30 this afternoon. Use this link to watch the presentation: https://cal-span.org/static/index.php
April 28, 2020 - Reminder about face masks
Face coverings in pubic are required for anyone over the age of 12. Details regarding the public emergency health order can be found here: http://www.acphd.org/media/569455/health-officer-order-20-08-face-coverings-2020.04.17.pdf
Face coverings are mandatory when:
- Inside or waiting outside to enter an essential business like a grocery store
- When visiting a doctor or other health care provider
- Riding a bus, ride share or other public transportation
- While working at an essential business including the Port of Oakland
Children under two should not wear masks as they represent a suffocation hazard.
Acceptable Face Coverings
According to this order, face coverings that are acceptable will cover the face and are made of cloth, fabric or other soft or permeable material. It should not have holes and it should cover only the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face.
Examples of face coverings include a scarf or bandana; a neck gaiter; a homemade covering made from a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or towel, held on with rubber bands or other fasteners; or a mask, which need not be medical-grade. A face covering may be factory-made, or may be simple, handmade and improvised from ordinary household materials. Port of Oakland employees are permitted to use personal face coverings that comply with the order.
April 27, 2020- Port of Oakland says canceled sailings could hit cargo volume
Fewer container ships would likely mean less cargo at the Port of Oakland this spring. That was the message Oakland Maritime officials delivered to the Harbor Trucking Association last week.
The Port told freight haulers via video conference that 20 May and June voyages to Oakland have been scrubbed. The result could be a 5-to-15 percent drop in containerized cargo volume heading into summer.
“It’s a clouded picture,” said Port of Oakland Business Development Manager Andrew Hwang. “About 10 percent of our scheduled vessel arrivals have been canceled by shipping lines, but we don’t know if that will translate into a similar drop in volume.”
The Port blamed vessel cancelations on the coronavirus pandemic which has stunted global trade. With consumer spending down, there’s less merchandise to load onto ships. That means fewer vessels needed between Asian manufacturing centers and U.S. ports. Import volume is expected to suffer the biggest cargo decline in coming months, the Port said.
Demand for Oakland exports remains strong, but voyage cancelations could place some markets beyond reach, the Port explained. Fruit, nut and meat exports are particularly coveted by overseas trading partners, especially in Asia, the Port said. It added that Oakland exports to South Korea increased 31 percent last month, and to Japan,18 percent.
The Port said cargo is moving smoothly through Oakland. There are no shortages of labor or equipment, it added.
The Port cautioned, however, that the coronavirus pandemic could permanently alter container transportation practices. Shipping lines may consolidate more cargo on bigger ships while reducing the frequency of voyages, the Port said.
Supply chains could be altered, too, the Port said. For example, the online purchasing explosion prompted by shelter-in-place orders may hasten distribution center reconfiguration or consolidation. Distribution hubs could be relocated to more central locations to serve population centers from fewer outlets.
“We’ll be facing a new normal,” said Mr. Hwang. “Distribution patterns will change…it won’t be like it was.
April 24, 2020 - Airport temporarily closes some Terminal 2 gates
Oakland International Airport will temporarily close Gates 26-32 in Terminal 2 beginning April 27. The action is in response to reduced travel activity resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. As essential community infrastructure, the Airport remains open to passengers and airline flights for essential travel despite shelter-in-place orders. Social distancing protocols and face mask requirements are in place at the Airport to guard against the spread of the coronavirus.
April 23, 2020 - Oakland International Airport responds to new face covering requirement for public spaces
Oakland International Airport (OAK) has implemented new measures in compliance with Alameda County Health Order No. 20-08, generally requiring the use of face coverings when engaged in essential business and services in public settings.
As an essential business, all Airport employees and customers over 12 years old are required to wear a face covering. OAK is incorporating visual signage and audio messaging throughout its terminals and the exterior of all public entry points, with guidance and reminders for compliance.
Face coverings must fully cover the nose and mouth and fit securely. Coverings can be a manufactured or homemade mask such as a bandana, scarf, towel, or other piece of cloth or fabric which covers the nose and mouth. OAK remains open for essential travel, and continues its vigilance in minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
TSA staff at Oakland International Airport send a warm reminder to travelers to maintain 6ft of social distance. OAK is open for essential travel, and encourages workers and members of the public to adhere to all CDC guidelines for curbing the spread of coronavirus. As of Wednesday, April 22, 2020, every person age 12 years and older MUST wear a face covering when in public, including at OAK.
Maritime Director John Driscoll and Business Development Manager Andrew Hwang provided a Port of Oakland status update in the time of coronavirus today for the Harbor Truckers Association. Highlights from the 1-hour video conference:
- Cargo continues to move smoothly through the Port.
- Loaded cargo volume declined 7 percent in March from March 2019 totals.
- Eleven percent of scheduled voyages to Oakland in May and June are canceled.
- The result of cancellations could be a 5-to-15 percent cargo volume decline.
- Imports of food and building materials remain strong, apparel volume is down.
- Exports are strong but could slow due to canceled voyages.
- There’s a sufficient supply of containers and container chassis to haul freight
- Shortages of refrigerated containers could emerge in coming months.
April 21, 2020 - Oakland International Airport releases latest newsletter
Oakland International Airport is keeping the health of employees and the public in focus while it remains open as essential infrastructure. The Airport asks travelers to keep their sense of adventure through this difficult Spring so that, when the time is right, travelers will once again be eager to take to the skies. Those are the messages in the Airport’s latest newsletter distributed today.
April 21, 2020 - Alameda County requires the use of face coverings when engages in essential business
On April 17, 2020 the Alameda County Health Officer issued a Public Health Emergency Order (No. 20-08 - Generally Requiring Members of the Public and Workers to Wear Face Coverings) which requires the use of face coverings when engaged in essential business and services.
Acceptable Face Coverings
According to this order face coverings which are acceptable will cover the face and are made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes, that cover only the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face. Examples of face coverings include a scarf or bandana; a neck gaiter; a homemade covering made from a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or towel, held on with rubber bands or other fasteners; or a mask, which need not be medical-grade. A face covering may be factory-made, or may be simple, handmade and improvised from ordinary household materials. Port of Oakland employees are permitted to use personal face coverings that comply with the order.
A face covering should be comfortable, so that the wearer can breathe comfortably through the nose and does not have to adjust it frequently, so as to avoid touching the face. For face coverings that are not disposed of after each use, clean them frequently and have extra ones available.
The Port of Oakland will provide acceptable face coverings (ear loop surgical style masks) for employees that do not have access to them or have other acceptable face coverings available to them.
Where Face Coverings Are Required
This order requires the public to wear face masks in three general settings:
- While inside or waiting in line to enter businesses providing essential infrastructure or essential government services;
- While working at an essential business as an employee, contractor, volunteer or owner or while operating public transportation and other shared transportation; and
- While engaged in minimum basic operations for essential infrastructure or essential government functions in areas where the public is present or likely to be and any time when others are nearby.
Situations that apply to Port of Oakland operations and employees include:
- Interacting in person with the public;
- Being in any room or enclosed area when other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present;
- Working in any space visited by members of the public, such as reception areas, service counters, public restrooms, waiting rooms, service areas, and other spaces used to interact with the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time; or
- Working in or walking through common areas such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities.
Exceptions include individuals working alone and in a space not regularly visited by the public, within personal offices (a single room) if the public does not visit the room, or driving alone in a motor vehicle.
All employees that work at the Port of Oakland must comply with this order.
April 20, 2020 - Front-line workers at Oakland International Airport praised as aviation industry pivots
At Oakland International Airport (OAK), runways and taxiways are open and in active use. Terminals are operational, and air cargo activity has increased with new goods movement demands. Travel that is deemed “non-essential” is legal but is discouraged as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The measure, while necessary, is a dilemma for airports, airlines, and many other businesses and industry stakeholders that rely on passenger traffic to generate revenue. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last week announced details of $10 billion in CARES Act aid for U.S. Airports, of which OAK is expected to receive approximately $44 million. While greatly appreciative of this stopgap, many airports including OAK expect that the grant funds will be far outweighed by the loss of revenues during what is expected to be a lengthy recovery period.
Also, as expected, commercial air travel demand has experienced a steep decline globally, partly due to active shelter-in-place orders in more than 40 states. Bay Area and statewide orders have been in place since mid-March. Even in the absence of bustling passengers, OAK remains a dynamic, fully-functional airport delivering essential goods, aviation services, and infrastructure, 24/7.
Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan has publicly thanked workers at the Oakland Seaport and Oakland International Airport, both of which the Port owns and operates. Last month, the Port supported an operation to screen and process over 2,000 Grand Princess Cruise Ship passengers after several tested positive for COVID-19 while at sea. All passengers began a 14-day quarantine after being transported by bus to Travis Air Force Base or via chartered aircraft launched from OAK to multiple destinations, both domestic and international.
Director of Aviation Bryant L. Francis also praised front-line workers for keeping the Airport functional during the pandemic, acknowledging the uncertainty that has come with it. Francis said, “Front-line workers at OAK have played a vital role in allowing us to swiftly pivot, providing a timely and necessary response to a continuously changing global crisis. COVID-19 will undoubtedly have an impact on our travel culture, however, we will be prepared for the inevitable recovery.” Francis’ unique perspective on the Aviation industry will be of benefit to OAK as he possesses a longstanding history of service with both ACI-NA, the think-tank representing more than 700 airports and aviation-related businesses in North America, and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
Passenger traffic data at OAK, just released for March 2020, reveals a nearly 60 percent decrease compared with the same period last year, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic:
MARCH 2019 1,095,906
MARCH 2020 451,799
% change -58.77%
Due to temporary flight activity reductions implemented by its airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, OAK has incorporated numerous modifications to its terminal facility operations. These changes ensure ample customer services are available for all users, including boarding gates, restroom facilities, and retail and food & beverage concessions.
Travelers are encouraged to make direct contact with their respective airlines for updates and details regarding future travel, as flight schedules are subject to change.
April 18, 2020 - Port of Oakland April Maritime Newsletter now available
“During this extraordinary time that we’re all experiencing in different ways, we, at the Port of Oakland, hope you and your loved ones are well and safe.” That’s the message delivered by the Port of Oakland in its April Maritime newsletter. Go to the newsletter here for a complete update on the Port’s operating status.
April 17, 2020 - Port of Oakland says visit of its biggest ship ever going well
Port of Oakland officials bid farewell tonight to the biggest ship ever to visit this city. They add that the 32-hour call of the MSC Anna is proceeding on schedule. The 1,312-foot-long container vessel departs for Busan, South Korea, sometime after 9 p.m. from a berth in Oakland Estuary. The Liberian-registered megaship is loading and unloading 1,486 cargo containers in Oakland. The Port reports no problems with cargo transfers despite the unprecedented size of the MSC Anna.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY OF MSC ANNA
April 16, 2020 - Biggest ship ever to visit the Port of Oakland arrives
The biggest ship ever to visit the Port of Oakland, MSC Anna arrived today. The 1,312-foot-long container vessel is docked at Oakland International Container Terminal, and it will depart Saturday for Busan, South Korea.
Below are news stories about the arrival:
https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/port-of-oakland-receives-largest-container-ship-ever
April 15, 2020 - Oakland International Airport to receive $44,662,438 in CARES Act funding
The FAA released a detailed listing of distributions to airports across the U.S., indicating that Oakland International Airport will receive $44,662,438 in CARES Act grant funding. The Port of Oakland has not made a final determination as to how the funds from this one-time capital infusion will be applied to Airport operations. While this grant will not result in full recovery of the anticipated loss of airport revenue which will extend well into 2021, the Port is grateful for the federal assistance provided as the Airport faces drastically reduced passenger and flight activity. This activity is expected to remain at reduced levels throughout 2021.
April 15, 2020 - Major airlines to take $25B in aid to pay workers (From Associated Press, reprinted from SF Gate)
The nation’s biggest airlines have tentatively agreed to terms for $25 billion in government aid to pay workers and avoid massive layoffs in an industry that has been slammed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The assistance will include a mix of cash and loans, with the government getting warrants that can be converted into small ownership stakes in the leading airlines.
Ten airlines — including Delta, American, United and Southwest – fell in line after objecting to some of the Treasury Department’s demands. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday that the department would work to finalize the deals and hand over the money as quickly as possible. He said talks were continuing with other carriers.
The airlines entered 2020 riding a decade-long hot streak in which together they earned tens of billions of dollars due to strong travel demand. They bought new planes, enriched shareholders, and hired thousands more workers.
That streak came to a crashing end in just a few weeks, as governments restricted travel to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, and people feared contracting the illness on a plane. Air travel ground to a near complete halt. Airlines cut thousands of flights, and those that remain often carry just a few passengers.
With the payroll grants, airlines and their workers got special treatment in last month’s $2.2 trillion measure designed to help businesses and workers get through the pandemic, which has hit every sector of the economy.
President Donald Trump — perhaps mindful of criticism that the government was bailing out a previously profitable industry — said the deals will support airline workers and protect taxpayers.
“Our airlines are now in good shape, and they will get over a very tough period of time that was not caused by them,” Trump said.
The payroll aid is roughly based on each airline’s spending on wages and benefits from April through September 2019.
American Airlines said Treasury approved $5.8 billion for the airline — a $4.1 billion grant and a $1.7 billion low-interest loan. CEO Doug Parker called it “fantastic news,” and “we now believe we have the financial resources necessary to help us withstand this crisis.”
Delta Air Lines said it reached agreement with Treasury for $5.4 billion — a $3.8 billion grant and a $1.6 billion loan. CEO Ed Bastian said that the aid, along with cutting 80% of its schedule and having 35,000 employees agree to voluntary leave, will let Delta operate a minimal schedule for people who must travel.
Analysts expected United Airlines to also be eligible for more than $5 billion. United said it expected to complete a final deal with Treasury “in the next few days,” but gave no figures.
Southwest Airlines said it expects to get $3.2 billion, including more than $2.3 billion in cash and the balance in an unsecured loan.
The airlines had expected to begin receiving federal aid — entirely in cash that didn't have to be repaid — from the government by April 6, the deadline set by Congress. Instead, they found themselves locked in several days of tense negotiations with the Treasury Department, which insisted that only 70% of the aid should be in cash, with the rest in loans that airlines must repay.
In addition, Treasury demanded that to compensate taxpayers, the largest airlines turn over warrants equal to 10% of the loan amounts. They can be exercised at each airline’s closing stock price on April 9. The airlines did not want to give up equity, but they had little leverage in negotiations with Treasury — they desperately wanted the aid.
Delta said the government will get warrants for about 1% of its stock, and Southwest put Treasury's warrants at less than 1% of its shares. Others gave no details.
Last month's economic-relief package also includes a separate $25 billion program to provide loans to airlines. Analysts expect fewer airlines to take part because they can tap private credit markets. But American said it plans to seek a $4.75 billion government loan, and Alaska Airlines indicated it too will apply under the separate program.
Even with the federal aid, airlines are likely to emerge slowly and smaller when the pandemic recedes.
“I don’t think air travel will snap right back to where it was here this year, maybe it will come back next year,” said Southwest CEO Gary Kelly. “If this is a real recession and a bad recession, it could take four or five years.”
April 14, 2020 - One of world's largest cargo ships coming to Port of Oakland this week (Reprinted from SFGATE)
In the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has killed tens of thousands and slowed international trade, the Port of Oakland is expected to welcome one of the world's largest cargo ships this week.
The 1,312-foot-long MSC Anna is scheduled to dock at Oakland's International Container Terminal on Thursday with a load of empty containers it is picking up in Southern California, according to port officials.
It will spend 24 hours in Oakland unloading import containers and then taking on exports.
The ship can hold 19,200 20-foot cargo containers, making it one of the largest vessels ever to visit a North American port, according to port officials.
"We've spent years and millions of dollars keeping ahead of the pace of trade and the size of ships," said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan.
In order to accommodate massive mega-ships like the MSC Anna, the port has spent the past 10 years dredging waterways and raising container cranes.
Ships of this size also require special handling by the local bar pilots who take command of vessels entering the San Francisco Bay in order to bring them safely back and forth to their berths.
"The San Francisco Bay is one of the most challenging pilotage grounds in the world and safely piloting these huge ships requires expertise and significant training," said Capt. Joseph Long, president of the San Francisco Bar Pilots Association.
Long said preparations for the MSC Anna's arrival included computer simulations run at the California State University Maritime Academy in Vallejo.
The ship's arrival coincides with a substantial drop in international trade as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the worldwide efforts to slow its spread.
The World Trade Organization reported last week that it expects the decline to exceed the slump caused by the global financial crisis of 2008 and could fall by as much as 32 percent in 2020.
Yesterday, the Port of Oakland reported that its loaded container volume declined 7.4 percent in March compared to the same period last year.
Import volume dropped 10.3 percent compared to March 2019 and exports were down 5 percent, according to the port.
The return of empty containers to Asian markets decreased 23 percent and total volume -- which combines all three measures -- declined 11 percent, according to the port.
April 13, 2020 - Port announces largest shipper ever to call Oakland arrives this week
Coronavirus may be hampering global trade but it hasn't broken the supply chain at the Port of Oakland. The latest evidence: the largest ship ever to call in Oakland arrives this week. The container vessel MSC Anna is scheduled to berth at the Port April 16. The ship will tie up at Oakland International Container Terminal on Oakland Estuary. The Port said that the 1,312-foot-long vessel can carry up to 19,200 20-foot cargo containers. That makes it one of the largest vessels ever to visit a North American port.
April 10, 2020 - Port of Oakland loaded box volume dipped 7.4 percent in March
Port of Oakland loaded container volume declined 7.4 percent in March from 2019 totals, according to data released today. The Port said the cargo decrease resulted from a coronavirus pandemic that has weakened global trade.
According to the Port, March containerized import volume dropped 10.3 percent from March 2019. Export loads were off 5 percent. The return of empty containers to origins in Asia decreased 23 percent.
The worldwide effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 has slowed containerized freight transport, the Port said. As evidence, the Port pointed to the following:
- Ports up and down the U.S. West Coast reported reduced cargo volume in March.
- The number of ships calling in Oakland last month declined 10.6 percent from March 2019.
The Port said it’s fully operational despite a shelter-in-place order mandated by Alameda County. The Port and supply chain partners have been declared critical infrastructure in the coronavirus fight.
April 10, 2020 - MSC Anna, the largest vessel ever to visit North America scheduled to arrive April 15 or April 16
Coronavirus may be hampering global trade but it hasn't broken the supply chain at the Port of Oakland. The latest evidence: the largest ship ever to call in Oakland arrives next week. The container vessel MSC Anna is scheduled to arrive at the Port late April 15 or early April 16. It has a cargo capacity of 19,400 20-foot containers. It's one of the largest vessels ever to visit a North American port. It's bigger than the CMA Benjamin Franklin which came to Oakland in 2016. That ship can carry 18,000 20-foot containers.
April 9, 2020 - Oakland International Airport adds precautionary measures to protect against coronavirus
Oakland International Airport (OAK) has incorporated the following modifications to its terminal operation in response to reductions in flight activity during the coronavirus pandemic:
Effective April 8, 2020, the following areas are temporarily closed to the public:
- Airport Administrative Office Lobby Restrooms (Terminal 1)
- Restrooms at Gate 25
- Restrooms at Gate 30
Effective April 10, 2020, the following areas will be temporarily closed to the public:
- Gates 9-17 (Terminal 1)
All Terminal 1 flight activity will take place at Gates 1–8.
Signage and voice reminders have been posted with safety messages, including reminders to "Wash your hands," "Do not enter if you have the following symptoms,” and reminders about social distancing.
Markings have been added to Terminal floors to assist with 6-foot distancing in queues.
April 9, 2020 - Port of Oakland operations continue despite global coronavirus pandemic; Port declared 'essential infrastructure'
Ships arrive. Cargo moves. The routine of freight transportation continues at the Port of Oakland seaport despite a global coronavirus pandemic. That’s because the Port has been declared “essential infrastructure” exempt from shelter-in-place orders. But things have changed. Shipping lines have announced blank sailings over the next few months. Night gate hours have been modified to accommodate deep cleaning at marine terminals.
The important thing to remember: shippers can still drop off or pick up cargo without disruption. Here’s a Port of Oakland status report:
- Health/safety precautions: The Port is making Personal Protective Equipment available to staff. Marine terminal operators are doing the same for staff and longshore labor. Work areas and equipment undergo deep cleaning and sanitizing nightly. This has pushed back the start of night gates by an hour.
- Vessel arrivals: Container shipping lines have announced 15 blank sailings to Oakland in May and June. That’s about 10 percent of the Port’s regularly scheduled calls. The reduction in sailing reflects decreased demand for vessel space resulting from the pandemic’s drag on global business activity. The number of voided sailings in Oakland is smaller than in Southern California. That’s likely due to Oakland’s strong export business, which ocean carriers remain eager to serve.
- Cargo volumes: The import decline of recent months is likely to continue into summer. That’s evident from the number of voyage cancellations. Export volumes may moderate as well after showing strength in the first quarter of 2020. Refrigerated export business – especially to Japan – has been a strength in Oakland throughout 2020. That trend is expected to continue.
- Terminal operations: One silver lining amidst declining volume – marine terminals are fluid. Ships continue to depart on schedule. Dwell time for containerized imports is normal. Truck driver turn times are generally in the 45-to-80-minute range.
- Equipment: There are no reports of chassis or container shortages in Oakland.
- Cargo-handling capacity: As China’s factories and ports restart, there’s concern about pent up demand overwhelming the supply chain. That’s not likely to happen in Oakland. Projections are for softening volume in springtime. When business does pick up, the Port of Oakland has ample capacity.
- Labor: Longshore workers have stepped up to the Port’s designation as essential infrastructure. Dockworkers are filling daily labor orders and maintaining Port productivity.
April 8, 2020 - Port of Oakland to announce March seaport volumes next week
The Port of Long Beach this week announced a 6.4 percent decline in its March cargo volume compared to March 2019. The figure reflects weakened global business activity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The Port of Oakland expects to announce its March seaport volumes early next week. Volumes are expected to decline in Oakland, as well.
April 7, 2020 - Container shipping lines announced cancellation of 15 voyages to Oakland in May and June
Container shipping lines have announced cancellation of 15 voyages to the Port of Oakland in May and June. That amounts to roughly 10 percent of the total number of visits ships are expected to make to the Port in that period. The reduction in voyages reflects diminished demand for vessel space in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
April 6, 2020 - Oakland International Airport implements new precautionary measures to protect against COVID-19
The following are among the initiatives Oakland International Airport, a division of the Port of Oakland, has taken to enhance its level of service and protect the health and well-being of Airport employees and customers. Many of these steps have been implemented to comply with both the original Alameda County Shelter-In-Place Order (March 17) and the new Order which supersedes it (March 31), containing directives related to COVID-19:
- Placed at least one dozen high-visibility printed graphics at key points in the public corridors of its terminals, which remind both employees and customers of social distancing requirements.
- Worked with airport tenants to execute the installation of floor markers in the ticketing lobby check-in lanes to provide visual assistance with adherence to social distancing requirements.
- Implemented video messaging featuring CDC Health Guidelines on numerous monitors terminal-wide.
- Placed printed flyers at the entrance to all public restrooms about handwashing.
- Provided Alameda County Health Department contact information and COVID-19 notification guidelines to Airport Tenant Managers.
- Asked that airlines incorporate Social Distancing messaging in pre-board announcements made at the boarding gates.
- Installed signage at each terminal curbside entrance with messaging to all employees and customers to avoid entering the building if experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
- Installed signage at each terminal curbside entrance with messaging to all employees and customers to exercise Social Distancing for the health and well-being of all.
- Increased frequency and extent of sanitizing efforts throughout the terminals with emphasis on high touchpoint areas such as podiums, kiosks, doorknobs, chairs, armrests and tables.
- Ordered additional hand sanitizing stations with installation expected during the week of April 5.
- Supplied customer-facing Port of Oakland staff at the Airport with Personal Protective Equipment with inventory on hand for the ongoing operation of the Airport.
- Reinforcing the practice of Social Distancing with Port of Oakland staff at the Airport, reiterating to stay home if sick, and to contact a doctor to schedule an appointment.
- Asking that staff adhere to other CDC guidelines at all times such as coughing/sneezing into tissue then discarding, not touching one’s face, and other practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
April 4, 2020 - Ports praise dockers (reprinted from DC Velocity magazine)
California’s Port of Oakland today is praising its dockworkers and their waterfront colleagues for sustaining international trade despite the prolonged strain of working in an “essential sector” as the rest of the economy shrinks and shelters in the face of the Covid-19 health crisis.
Workers in several logistics sectors have asked their employers to provide better protective devices and cleaning measures to protect them from coronavirus infection, leading some companies to offer wage hikes and paid sick leave to avoid the strikes and walkouts that have occurred in some warehouses and stores.
Port leaders in Oakland said the facility is now operating normally despite a shelter-in-place order issued by its home area of Alameda County, and has plentiful supplies of the containers and chassis required to transport cargo. With sufficient labor and equipment, the port is operating full vessel and cargo operations at its marine terminals, although the facilities have curtailed their operating hours for preventative cleaning to prevent the spread of coronavirus. In addition, vessel schedules have now stabilized, after shipping lines cut 20 voyages to Oakland between February and April.
“Ports including Oakland have been declared essential infrastructure and must keep operating for the public good and the future of trade,” Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll said in a release. “That couldn’t happen without the waterfront work force that keeps cargo moving. Dockworkers, truckers, all of those on the front line of the supply chain have earned our sincerest gratitude.”
The port’s message came two days before Sunday’s Western Hemisphere Ports Day, an annual salute to maritime laborers including 650,000 people in the U.S. alone, according to the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
“In this time of uncertainty and fear about what to expect next, port workers and their logistics partners are laboring around the clock to keep vital consumer goods, medical supplies, energy and raw materials moving,” AAPA President and CEO Chris Connor said in a release. “While taking all necessary precautions against spreading the virus themselves, our maritime workforce continues to deliver vital goods and services, ship exports, and connect farmers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers to the global marketplace.”
Another organization honoring logistics workers for doing their jobs under coronavirus conditions is SmartDrive Systems, a San Diego, California-based vendor of truck driver video safety platforms. The company has created an "Everyday Heroes in Transportation" program to highlight the critical work of drivers, dispatchers, and fleet managers. SmartDrive is asking fleets to nominate employees who are prioritizing safety while continuing to ensure goods are delivered quickly in these challenging times. Once a week, the company will award one winner with a $100 gift card and public appreciation.
April 3, 2020 - Port of Oakland hails waterfront work force ahead of Ports Day
The Port of Oakland today praised dockworkers and their waterfront brethren for sustaining international trade. The Port’s recognition preceded the annual Western Hemisphere Ports Day scheduled Sunday. It carried added weight in the face of a coronavirus pandemic that has killed thousands and roiled economies worldwide.
“Ports including Oakland have been declared essential infrastructure and must keep operating for the public good and the future of trade,” pointed out Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “That couldn’t happen without the waterfront work force that keeps cargo moving. “Dockworkers, truckers, all of those on the front line of the supply chain have earned our sincerest gratitude.”
The Port said it’s operating normally despite a shelter-in-place order issued by Alameda County March 16. It gave the following status update:
- Marine terminals continue full vessel and cargo operations though they’ve curtailed operating hours for preventative cleaning.
- Supplies of equipment required to transport cargo – containers and chassis – are plentiful.
- Vessel schedules have stabilized after shipping lines cut 20 voyages to Oakland between February and April.
The Port said its continuing operations are a testament to those involved in the transport of global trade. According to the American Association of Port Authorities, 650,000 people in the U.S. alone work in maritime jobs. The Association said Ports Day highlights their contributions and courage in the face of an international health crisis.
April 2, 2020 - Port of Oakland declared critical infrastructure; Port exempt from shelter-in-place requirements
The Port of Oakland has been declared critical infrastructure, meaning that it is exempt from shelter-in-place requirements resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. That means some Port employees are engaged with the public or business partners on a recurring basis. In response, the Port has arranged with the City of Oakland to make COVID-19 tests available to those employees. A message went out to employees April 1 detailing eligibility criteria for testing. The Port expresses gratitude to all of its employees for maintaining full operations in the wake of the pandemic.
April 1, 2020 - California Governor thanks Port partners
California Governor Gavin Newsom just tweeted, "Just wanted to start the day saying THANK YOU to our dock workers, truck drivers, and warehouse workers--making sure our stores are stocked and our hospitals get equipment. Thank you." To see the tweet, click HERE.
March 31, 2020 - Port of Oakland shares condolences after dock worker death
The Port of Oakland expressed its condolences today following the death of a dockworker overnight. According to reports, a longshore laborer fell to his death from the deck of a container ship at berth. The Port said the fatal accident was under investigation by local authorities.
“This is a tragedy that strikes everyone very deeply,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “The waterfront is a tightly knit community and if a member of that community succumbs, we all share the grief.”
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union confirmed that the accident victim was one of its members.  Longshore workers are hired by marine terminals to load and unload ships and move cargo containers.
The Port said most marine terminals were closed today for the annual holiday observing the life of late California labor leader Cesar Chavez.
The Port pointed out that workers including longshore labor are on the job despite the shelter-in-place orders issued in the face of a coronavirus crisis. That’s because the Port has been designated as critical infrastructure during the crisis. The Port said the tragic shipboard accident was in no way related to the coronavirus outbreak.
“All of those on the front-line of the supply chain have our heartfelt gratitude under these trying circumstances,” said Mr. Driscoll. “They’re keeping the economy going and doing their best to maintain some semblance of normalcy for all of us.”
March 31, 2020 – Letter from PMSA urging California Governor to declare COVID-19 as an 'emergency event'
Below is a letter from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) to California Governor Gavin Newsom asking him to designate the current COVID-19 crisis as an "Emergency Event":
March 30, 2020
Hon. Gavin Newsom Governor
State of California State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Request “Emergency Event” Designation for COVID 19 Crisis Operations at California Seaports
Dear Gov. Newsom,
On behalf of the members of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA), we applaud your leadership during the present COVID 19 state of emergency. PMSA members are the ocean carriers and marine terminal operators keeping international supply chains up and running, moving critical medical equipment, cleaning supplies, food, and other consumer goods during the crisis and we are proud to be recognized as an “essential service” during the present state of emergency.
We respectfully request that you protect our members from unintended, unanticipated, and otherwise unavoidable state penalties and fines as ocean carriers provide the essential services necessary to keep the international supply chain up and running during this emergency by either directing the California Air Resources Board to specifically designate our current crisis as an “Emergency Event” outside of the control of vessel masters for purposes of 17 CCR §93118.3 or for an Executive Order to so designate the current crisis an “Emergency Event” consistent with the present COVID 19 state of emergency.
As you may be aware, California is home to the most aggressive and unique set of air quality regulations in the world with respect to reducing emissions from container ships and cruise ships while at dock. At present, because of dramatic changes to worldwide vessel fleets made necessary to accommodate the COVID 19 crisis, many of our members who have invested in cleaner fleets and equipment and at-berth infrastructure to meet these rules will necessarily find themselves out of compliance with California’s rules at no fault of their own.
In anticipation of emergencies such as these, the shorepower regulations allow for the designation of periods of distress outside of the control of vessel masters to be declared as an “emergency event.” Several weeks ago CARB staff acknowledged that the COVID 19 crisis might impact some limited operations and create minor non-compliance issues and it issued preliminary guidance that such violations would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis at a later date. At the time when dealing with isolated incidents this seemed like a reasonable accommodation, and we appreciate CARB’s initial response. However, as this crisis has accelerated so have the impacts, and it has become apparent that compliance issues are now becoming widespread and they will continue to compound and extend across hundreds of vessel calls for dozens of vessel fleets for many months to come.
Our members are now caught in the difficult position of being asked to continue to provide “essential services” during the present state of emergency but being given the benefit of an official “emergency event” declaration. PMSA requests that our members be provided the upfront assurances by the state necessary to allow them to continue to conduct their essential business without the threat of fines and penalties for simply doing their jobs to the best of their abilities under the worst of circumstances.
The COVID 19 crisis demands flexibility and we should not be operating under the threat of substantial fines and penalties while providing the very flexibility that one would expect from our supply chains when delivering critical medical, cleaning, and grocery supplies. Our maritime industry is pulling together and providing these services despite an international intermodal supply chain experiencing severe volatility in both supply and demand of equipment and customers in which it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict and maintain regular service.
We are exceptionally proud that our member companies are working hard to keep the international supply chain as intact and functioning as possible at this time. This requires bringing in new vessels at short notice, rearranging sailing and dry docking schedules, and making do with opportunities when presented rather than as planned. At the same time, the environmental control vendors and engineers required for vessels to continue to comply are no longer traveling to California or working onboard vessels, making it nearly impossible for many otherwise normal and regularly planned vessel calls also to remain compliant. Yet all of these efforts may also subject our members to fine or penalty.
Moreover, an “emergency event” declaration supports public health with respect to the pandemic and will not otherwise put air quality or public health at risk. Criteria and air toxic emissions generally have naturally been reduced across the board during the present crisis, relative air quality is significantly improved, and related public health impacts and exposures during the stay at home orders and state of emergency are and should remain significantly reduced.
PMSA respectfully requests that this designation be implemented as soon as possible. We would ask that the dates for the designation start on February 2nd, to reflect the US Coast Guard's first date of restrictions on vessels with respect to coronavirus impacts, and end on June 30th to provide us with coverage through the latest anticipated peak of the crisis and time to allow for our members to manage the supply chain back towards a more normal operating environment.
Please have your staff contact me at [email protected] or PMSA Vice President & General Counsel Mike Jacob at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding this request. .
Sincerely,
John McLaurin President
cc: Secretary Jared Blumenfeld, California Environmental Protection Agency Chair Mary Nichols, California Air Resources Board
Executive Officer Richard Corey, California Air Resources Board
March 28, 2020 – Second airport worker in Oakland tests positive for COVID-19
Oakland International Airport (OAK), owned and operated by the Port of Oakland, has reported notification of a 2nd positive diagnosis for the COVID-19 virus. Details are provided below:
Date OAK Notified: March 27, 2020
Tenant Employee or Port Employee: Tenant
Employee Base at OAK: In Terminal
When Employee Last Worked: March 25, 2020
OAK Response Date: March 27, 2020
OAK Precautionary Action: Terminal Services Team mobilized and performed a deep clean of airside portions of Terminal 1
(Gates 4 & 6) and landside & airside portions of Terminal 2 (Ticketing Lobby & Gate 26).
Impacted Area(s) Reopened: Yes
Date of Reopening: March 28, 2020
Oakland International Airport’s Terminal Services Team has increased its cleaning measures throughout the terminal facilities, with special attention to high touch point areas such as chairs, armrests, door handles, kiosks, podium surfaces, etc. These services are performed multiple
times daily and will continue to be for the duration of the COVID-19 epidemic. We are implementing necessary actions according to the best CDC information while continuing to operate essential infrastructure. Please adhere to CDC guidelines such as washing hands frequently for at least 20-seconds, not touching your face, and practice social distancing.
March 27, 2020 - Port marine terminals to close March 31 for Cesar Chavez holiday
Some Port of Oakland marine terminals will close March 31 for a regularly scheduled holiday. The holiday honors late California labor leader Cesar Chavez. The Port said the closures aren't related to the coronavirus pandemic. Click the link atop the Port of Oakland home page to see the marine terminal schedule, or click HERE.
March 27, 2020 - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: cleaning and disinfecting completed at Port's Berth 22
The federal Department of Health and Human Services said today that cleaning and disinfecting has been completed at Port of Oakland Berth 22. This is the berth where the cruise ship Grand Princess docked with passengers and crew who tested positive for coronavirus. The ship departed Oakland March 16. Thorough sanitizing of the 11-acre area was completed March 26. The berth and adjacent yard space have been used for the past three years to park trucks and temporarily store cargo containers. Federal officials said the area can be safely reoccupied for commercial purposes.
March 26, 2020 - West Coast Ports Remain Open, Providing Essential Service
President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to unfold, three of the largest ports in the nation – Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland – continue to operate, allowing for the continued flow of goods into our communities and key industries.
As the world weathers this crisis, these ports provide a service that has been identified by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the state of California as an essential critical infrastructure industry.
To meet the current challenges, we have instituted new procedures for the operation of our terminals designed to maintain a safe and healthy working environment. Safe operations support the flow of needed goods in and out of California allowing our communities to continue to function while we collectively heed calls to shelter-in-place.
Modifications of gate operating hours allow for thorough equipment cleaning protocols and procedures with no disruption to port operations. Ports, marine terminals, and shipping lines understand our critical role and are determined to fulfill our obligation as an essential industry and patriotic citizens. Maintaining the fluidity of cargo operations and preventing cargo from becoming stranded on the waterfront in the coming weeks will ensure that our ports continue to fulfil their critical role over the course of this crisis.
While regulatory and cost pressures have created competitive challenges for California ports, the COVID-19 crisis has reinforced the importance of the logistics industry to California residents. In the months ahead, the delivery of goods to a recovering economy will enforce the importance of ports, marine terminals, and the logistics workforce.
The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) is proud to represent the marine terminals and vessels that continue to supply the goods we all depend on and will be working diligently to support the anticipated increased volume of imports and exports in the very near future.
March 26, 2020 - Port Board to meet by telephone today
Port of Oakland Commissioners will conduct their regularly-scheduled Board meeting today at 4 p.m. via teleconference due to the state and county's shelter-in-place order. The Governing Board of Port Commissioners said its order would extend to Port staff that usually attends the meetings, as well as the public. All participants would be required to dial in to take part in the bimonthly meetings. The Board said observers would still be able to follow the phone-in Board meetings. It invited the public to click this link to observe proceedings or find written materials: https://www.portofoakland.com/port/board-of-commissioners/board-meetings/. Members of the public can email comments to the Board at this address: [email protected].
March 25, 2020 - Airport worker in Oakland tests positive for COVID-19
A gate agent at Oakland International Airport has tested positive for COVID-19, the Airport said today. The Airport said the individual was not an employee of the Port of Oakland, or the Oakland Airport which it owns and operates. According to the Airport, the individual last worked March 22 as a gate agent in Oakland Terminal 2. It said the agent worked at gates 23, 25, 26 and 27 that day. According to the Airport, the agent used the men’s restroom at Terminal 2 baggage claim.
The Airport said it has taken the following actions in response:
· Notified Airport personnel and others who work at the Airport;
· Closed Gate 23, 25, 26, 27 and the baggage claim men’s restroom overnight for cleaning and disinfecting;
· Disinfected and cleaned podiums and counters at those gates;
· Disinfected and cleaned high touch points, doors, chairs, arm rests and jetways at those gates;
· Disinfected and cleaned all surfaces in the Terminal 2 baggage claim men’s restroom.
The Airport said it’s taking extra precautions to protect staff and Airport users. It said its facilities are being cleaned multiple times daily to meet or exceed federal guidance, including high touch point areas.
The Airport said it had no further information on the worker’s medical condition.
March 25, 2020 - Reprinted from the Journal of Commerce: West Coast ports adjust night shift hours for COVID-19 sanitizing
by Bill Mongelluzzo, Journal of Commerce
March 24, 2020 - Terminal operators in the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland Tuesday will begin delaying the start of their night shift by one hour so cargo-handling equipment can be sanitized as part of the effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The work shifts at West Coast ports are normally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Under the new coronavirus sanitation measures, the night shift will be 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
“Despite COVID-19 disruption across many industries, California ports are fully operational and open for business, and we do not anticipate that the slight modification to operating hours to disinfect equipment will impact cargo availability,” said Michele Grubbs, vice president of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, which represents carriers and terminal operators in legislative matters.
Terminal operators and the Harbor Trucking Association (HTA) indicated the slight revision in the night shift hours should not result in operational disruptions at the ports. All 12 of the container terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach operate night shifts. Oakland International Container Terminal and TraPac in Oakland regularly run night gates, according to the port.
The new hours also will apply to the Northwest Seaport Alliance of Seattle and Tacoma (NWSA) if terminals should schedule night shifts, but extended gates at the NWSA normally occur on an as-needed basis, such as during the peak shipping season. Nevertheless, an NWSA spokesperson said Tuesday all terminal equipment is being cleaned between shifts.
James McKenna, president of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), the employers’ organization that negotiates the coastwide contract with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), told JOC.com Tuesday the decision to alter night shift hours was reached in cooperation with the ILWU. The new hours will remain in effect for 30 days, for now.
Regulatory authorities have exempted ports, warehouses, and other logistics operations from “shelter-in-place” restrictions, allowing these links in the supply chain to continue to operate.
Port container terminals have dozens, even hundreds, of pieces of cargo-handling equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes, rubber-tire gantry cranes, and yard trucks that lift or shuttle containers throughout the facility. Under the new protocol, that equipment must be sanitized between the day and night shifts, and between the night shift and the next day shift beginning at 8 a.m.
Weston LaBar, CEO of the HTA, which has members in Southern California and Oakland, said the sanitization actions are understandable and necessary, both for the longshore workers working at the terminals and the thousands of truckers who call daily at the facilities.
LaBar told JOC.com Tuesday ports should also sanitize the points of interaction between the terminals and the truckers, such as gates and the trouble ticket windows that handle documentation issues. Ed DeNike, president of SSA Containers, which operates terminals in Seattle, Oakland, and Long Beach, said all SSA terminals are cleaning those areas. “We do it two to three times a day,” DeNike said.
DeNike noted that terminal operators are working with the individual ILWU locals to ensure the specific requests of longshore workers are met. In Southern California and the NWSA, for example, the cleaning process involves spraying the cab of the cargo-handling equipment and closing the door of the equipment to ensure it is fully sanitized. In Oakland, the ILWU local wants the cabs to be physically wiped down, which is being done, DeNike said.
March 24, 2020 – Port of Oakland update: Port fully operational
Things are changing rapidly on the Port of Oakland waterfront amid a global coronavirus pandemic. We want to update customers and business partners and assure them that the Port is fully operational. Here’s the latest as of this afternoon:
- There have been no reports of individuals testing positive for coronavirus at the Port.
- Marine terminals have increased cleaning and sanitizing in response to request by dockworkers.
- Terminals will soon announce some modification of hours to accommodate cleaning.
- Terminals are fully operational.
- Ships are loading and unloading without interruption, though some are arriving off-schedule.
- Vessel crews are restricted to their ships in Oakland.
- Cargo is moving routinely in-and-out of the Port.
- There’s no shortage of drayage capacity.
- Equipment supplies are plentiful, too.
- Rail service is uninterrupted.
- Containerized export volume continues strong after a 15 percent February increase.
- Import volume is also showing signs of recovery after declining 9 percent in February.
- The number of cancelled voyages to Oakland may be shrinking. Last month we reported 20 cancellations between February and April. Some of those trips may now be restored.
- We’ve received no other word of cancelled voyages through May.
March 24, 2020 – Port Board to meet by telephone during COVID-19 crisis
Port of Oakland Commissioners said today their Board meetings would be conducted by phone while state and county shelter-in-place orders are in effect. The Governing Board of Port Commissioners said its order would extend to Port employees that usually attend the meetings, as well as the public. The Board said all participants would be required to dial in to take part in its bimonthly meetings.
The seven-member governing Board sets policy and provides direction for the Port of Oakland, a public agency that is an independent department of the City of Oakland. The Port Board historically meets in open session at Port Headquarters in Oakland. The change to telephone meetings results from an executive order by the Governor facilitating virtual meetings and shelter-in-place orders issued by the state and Alameda County, the Board said. The county’s order was announced March 17 to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The Board said observers would still be able to follow the phone-in Board meetings. It invited the public to click this link to observe proceedings or find written materials HERE. Members of the public can email comments to the Board at this address: [email protected].
The Board’s next meeting is March 26 at 4 p.m.
March 23, 2020 – Oakland International Airport concessions and retail update
Oakland International Airport (OAK) updated concessions information below:
Essential businesses remain open
- Select restaurants in Boarding Gate areas
- Escape Lounge
- Vino Volo Wine bars
- Newsstands
- Rental car operations
Specialty retail units are closed
- See’s Candies
- Sports Scene
- In-Motion
- Oakland Market
- Sunglass Icon
Restaurants and bars have removed some chairs/stools so that guests from different parties will be seated at least six (6) feet apart. Restaurants have reduced seating capacity and will encourage passengers to order to-go items. Concessions offering food are allowed to limit the number of menu items in stock to reduce purchasing requirements.
March 23, 2020 – Port's largest marine terminal issues statement: OICT provides extra precautionary measures against COVID-19
Oakland International Container Terminal, the largest terminal at the Port of Oakland, issued the following statement today:
The coronavirus has significantly impacted people’s lives. Like all operations in our activities, Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT) is taking this outbreak seriously and doing our part to ensure the supply chain keeps moving. Responsibility for our employees in this regard is key. We want to make sure they and their families are safe and well, and we closely monitor advice of the WHO and CDC and diligently implement their recommended strategies.
We are employing the same precautionary measures as other West Coast marine terminals as agreed between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. OICT has taken significant precautionary measures. At the start of each shift, OICT addresses the virus issues in our safety talks, provides employees hand sanitizer, gloves, disinfecting wipes enabling the wipe down of equipment. OICT has increased sanitizing efforts for common areas such as bathrooms, break rooms and shops. Operationally, OICT has work instructions and work plans in place to facilitate social distancing and actively encourages this among the work force.
“We are very pleased that these extra precautionary efforts we are employing have been successful to date. Our employees have stayed healthy – and we do our part to keep it that way! Our work teams and their selfless efforts to protect one another, working together in this unprecedented situation, while keeping this critical supply chain and infrastructure operating deserve all possible credit.” emphasized Jim Rice – OICT General Manager.
OICT is constantly monitoring the effectiveness of their coronavirus prevention programs and adjust these programs as recommended by the WHO, CDC and the working agreement between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
March 23, 2020 – Port export volumes remain strong
Containerized export cargo business continues to be brisk, at the Port of Oakland. Anecdotal reports from marine terminals indicate that outbound container volumes are still strong. That’s following a 15 percent increase in exports in February. The Port said it has between 15,000 and 20,000 empty export containers at its terminals to ship outgoing freight.
March 23, 2020 – Oakland International Airport BART station remains open
The BART station at Oakland International Airport (OAK) is OPEN. Effective today (March 23), BART operating hours are now 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Trains arrive and depart OAK every 6 to 8 minutes. NOTE: All riders must be in the system by 8:45 p.m. to have a guaranteed ride to their destination.
March 23, 2020 – Port of Oakland fully operational at both seaport and airport
The Port of Oakland reports full operations at its Airport and Seaport today. Oakland International Airport has 161 departing flights scheduled. The Port of Oakland has six ships at berth for cargo operations and five more due within 24 hours.
March 22, 2020 – California Governor issues guidance on essential business criteria
Listed below are criteria for essential businesses that remain open during the coronavirus virus crisis. This comes from the California Department of Public Health as issued by Governor Gavin Newsom (Executive Order N-33-20). The Port of Oakland and supply chain partners have been deemed essential businesses:
TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS
Sector Profile
The Transportation Systems Sector consists of seven key subsectors, or modes:
- Aviation includes aircraft, air traffic control systems, and airports, heliports, and landing strips. Commercial aviation services at civil and joint-use military airports, heliports, and sea plane bases. In addition, the aviation mode includes commercial and recreational aircraft (manned and unmanned) and a wide-variety of support services, such as aircraft repair stations, fueling facilities, navigation aids, and flight schools.
- Highway and Motor Carrier encompasses roadway, bridges, and tunnels. Vehicles include trucks, including those carrying hazardous materials; other commercial vehicles, including commercial motorcoaches and school buses; vehicle and driver licensing systems; taxis, transportation services including Transportation Network Companies, and delivery services including Delivery Network Companies; traffic management systems; AND cyber systems used for operational management.
- Maritime Transportation System consists of coastline, ports, waterways, and intermodal landside connections that allow the various modes of transportation to move people and goods to, from, and on the water.
- Mass Transit and Passenger Rail includes terminals, operational systems, and supporting infrastructure for passenger services by transit buses, trolleybuses, monorail, heavy rail—also known as subways or metros—light rail, passenger rail, and vanpool/rideshare.
- Pipeline Systems consist of pipelines carrying natural gas hazardous liquids, as well as various chemicals. Above-ground assets, such as compressor stations and pumping stations, are also included.
- Freight Rail consists of major carriers, smaller railroads, active railroad, freight cars, and locomotives.
- Postal and Shipping includes large integrated carriers, regional and local courier services, mail services, mail management firms, and chartered and delivery services.
Essential Workforce
• Employees supporting or enabling transportation functions, including dispatchers, maintenance and repair technicians, warehouse workers, truck stop and rest area workers, and workers that maintain and inspect infrastructure (including those that require cross-border travel)
• Employees of firms providing services that enable logistics operations, including cooling, storing, packaging, and distributing products for wholesale or retail sale or use.
• Mass transit workers
• Taxis, transportation services including Transportation Network Companies, and delivery services
including Delivery Network Companies
• Workers responsible for operating dispatching passenger, commuter and freight trains and
maintaining rail infrastructure and equipment
• Maritime transportation workers - port workers, mariners, equipment operators
• Truck drivers who haul hazardous and waste materials to support critical infrastructure, capabilities,
functions, and services
• Automotive repair and maintenance facilities
• Manufacturers and distributors (to include service centers and related operations) of packaging
materials, pallets, crates, containers, and other supplies needed to support manufacturing,
packaging staging and distribution operations
• Postal and shipping workers, to include private companies
• Employees who repair and maintain vehicles, aircraft, rail equipment, marine vessels, and the
equipment and infrastructure that enables operations that encompass movement of cargo and
passengers
• Air transportation employees, including air traffic controllers, ramp personnel, aviation security, and
aviation management
• Workers who support the maintenance and operation of cargo by air transportation, including flight
crews, maintenance, airport operations, and other on- and off- airport facilities workers
March 21, 2020 – Oakland International Airport advises travelers to contact their airlines for updated flight information
Due to the extraordinary response to a U.S. coronavirus outbreak, airlines are adjusting their flight schedules. Oakland International Airport advises travelers to contact their airlines for updated flight information.
March 20, 2020 - Oakland International Airport open with flights operating across U.S., including the Hawaiian Islands, and Mexico
Here’s some guidance from Oakland International Airport (OAK). The Airport is open with flights operating across the U.S., including the Hawaiian Islands, and Mexico. OAK is deemed essential infrastructure according to the Alameda County order to shelter in place.
- If you have an upcoming flight you should comply with the order and determine if it is essential that the journey occur.
- All OAK partner airlines are working with travelers amidst changing plans and schedules to accommodate everyone as best as possible during these unprecedented circumstances.
- For specific flight status information we recommend that you contact airlines through their website or app.
- All airlines are reporting heavy call volumes and many are asking only those with travel pending in the next 72-hours to contact airline service centers.
- They are also instructing those that purchased travel through a third-party travel agent to contact the travel agent directly.
- The Oakland International Airport BART station is open and trains are running. OAK's on-airport parking lots are also open as are car rental companies. Please check with your car rental agency through their website, app or service center to re-confirm operating hours.
- Several food and beverage outlets at OAK, also deemed essential, remain open. However, some outlets are temporarily closed and others have reduced their operating hours.
March 20, 2020 - ILWU Local 10 tweets support for the Port of Oakland as 'critical to the health, safety, infrastructure and economy...'
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 10 tweeted out, "@PortofOakland will continue to run - it is "critical to the health, safety, infrastructure and economy of our region. We at ILWU Local 10 will be there to keep port ops moving during this crisis and take all precautions necessary to keep ourselves and the community safe." See their tweet HERE.
March 20, 2020 - Port of Oakland, Oakland International Airport to remain open
The Port of Oakland reaffirmed its exempt status today from shelter-in-place orders intended to combat the spread of coronavirus. The Port said its Seaport and Oakland International Airport remain open and fully operational. The statement followed orders from California Gov. Gavin Newsom last night for all state residents to shelter in place. San Francisco Bay Area counties imposed similar orders earlier this week. The Port, Airport and their supply chain partners are considered essential businesses and therefore exempt from shelter mandates.
March 19, 2020 – Oakland International Container Terminal cancels night gate for trucker pick-ups and deliveries this evening only
Oakland International Container Terminal announced this afternoon it has canceled its night gate for trucker pick-ups and deliveries at the Port of Oakland this evening, only. The cancellation had been scheduled to accommodate a monthly dockworker union meeting. That meeting has been postponed but the terminal said it won’t re-open its gates tonight. The terminal offers night gates for truck drivers Mondays-through-Thursdays. It said night gates would continue next week.
March 19, 2020 – U.S government issues list of employment categories considered 'essential,' which includes the Port of Oakland
The U.S. government has issued a list of employment categories considered essential in combatting the coronavirus spread. The list includes transport and logistics workers up and down the supply chain. See the attached list for details. The Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport have been declared essential operations and remain open despite a shelter-in-place order from Alameda County.
March 19, 2020 - Port of Oakland to staff, partners: 'You are heroes'
Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan delivered a message today to trade and transportation workers: “you are heroes.” His remarks came as the Port and its Oakland International Airport continued full operations midst a coronavirus crisis. The Executive Director thanked staff and business partners for keeping planes flying and the supply chain moving. At the same time, he urged workers to maintain social distance and observe all other health/safety protocols. “In this extraordinary time, you have shown remarkable commitment to your work and to a world that depends on us,” Mr. Wan said. “Now all I can ask is that you stay vigilant…and stay safe.” The Executive Director’s message followed a declaration this week that the Port is an essential business. That means its Airport and Seaport remain fully operational despite a shelter-in-place order issued by Alameda County. Mr. Wan praised Port staff for maintaining critical functions to prevent disruption to air travel or supply chains. He thanked more than 80,000 workers in Northern California whose jobs relate to activity at the Airport or Seaport. “We’re not in this alone,” Mr. Wan pointed out. “Think of the Air Traffic Control workers, TSA agents and airline workers at the Airport. What about the truck drivers, longshore workers or warehouse technicians at the Seaport? It takes all of us to provide mobility, deliver goods and keep our communities strong while we fight the coronavirus contagion.” Roughly 7 million San Francisco Bay Area residents are isolated following shelter-in-place orders from six counties. The mandates are intended to limit the spread of coronavirus. Alameda County, where the Airport and Seaport operate, exempted the Port of Oakland because of its critical economic impact. County health officials extended the exemption to all supply chain operators, from railroads and truckers to distribution facilities. The Port said coronavirus concerns have diminished Airport passenger traffic and Seaport cargo volume. It added, however, that operations remain normal with no disruption at either location.
March 19, 2020 - Oakland seaport and Oakland International Airport open and fully operational
The Port of Oakland and the Oakland International Airport are open for business and fully operational. There’s no disruption to incoming or outbound flights at Oakland International Airport. Vessel and cargo operations at the Seaport are ongoing. Many Port employees are working remotely due to a shelter-in-place order from Alameda County. Staff in functions critical to daily operations at the Airport or Seaport are in the field, observing social distancing and other health precautions.
March 18, 2020 - Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport considered essential services; exempt from shelter-in-place order
The Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport will remain operational despite an Alameda County shelter-in-place order. Both facilities are essential services exempt from the order, the Port said. The Port’s announcement followed shelter-in-place orders issued by six Bay Area counties. The orders are intended to slow the spread of coronavirus. Under the restrictions, only essential businesses are permitted to remain open. Other employers must send workers home until the order is lifted. The Port of Oakland is one of the 10 busiest container seaports in the U.S. It handles more than 2.5 million cargo containers annually, transacting more than $100 billion in global trade. The Port’s Oakland International Airport is the third-busiest airport in Northern California. Close to 14 million passengers a year fly in and out of Oakland. “Our operations are critical to the health, safety, infrastructure and economy of our region,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “We will continue to function as a vital gateway for global trade and transportation while doing everything possible to protect our employees, customers and business partners.” The Port said marine terminals would continue to load and unload cargo from ships. The Airport would go on with its daily schedule of inbound and departing flights, the Port said. The Port said it would adopt a resilience plan to staff its operations while minimizing employee exposure to coronavirus. The Port said it has received no reports of employees, customers or business partners testing positive for coronavirus. According to the Port, airlines, shipping lines and marine terminal operators have said they’ll continue operations in Oakland. The Port was meeting with longshore union officials to determine what staffing levels could be expected on the docks. The Port said it would continue with an accelerated sanitization regimen at Oakland International Airport to protect travelers. It said it was conferring with marine terminal operators on how best to sanitize seaport operations. The Port said it would introduce social distancing protocols at its facilities to curb the coronavirus spread.
