Port of Oakland hails mariners and industry contributions on National Maritime Day

Oakland, Calif. – May 22, 2017: The Port of Oakland hailed today the men and women who have served as U.S. merchant mariners and the significant contribution the shipping industry makes to the US economy on National Maritime Day.

“We thank the mariners who travel the seas, our business partners who invest in Oakland, and the dock workers, truckers and railroad employees who make our thriving maritime business possible,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. Oakland Seaport activities support nearly 40 percent of the more than 73,000 regional jobs generated by all Port of Oakland activities. One thousand containers moving through the Port of Oakland represents eight direct jobs.

The numbers on a national scale are enormous. According to the American Association of Port Authorities, America’s seaports support 23.1 million jobs; annually generate more than $321 billion in federal, state and local taxes; and account for over a quarter of the U.S. economy.

The Port of Oakland is investing in the future of shipping with a series of projects that will deliver capacity and boost Oakland’s competitiveness among West Coast ports. These include doubling the size of a marine terminal, constructing a 280,000-square foot Cool Port – a state-of-the-art refrigerated cargo storage and transfer facility, and developing the first 27 acres of a Seaport Logistics Complex that will attract additional imports and exports. All of these efforts in support of maritime business help generate more economic activity and jobs for Oakland and the region.

The Port of Oakland provides free harbor tours for the public to learn more about its maritime activities now through October. Please go here for more information: https://www.portofoakland.com/harbor-tours/

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:

Marilyn Sandifur,
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1193
Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur
 

Mike Zampa
Communications Director
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1565
[email protected]