Port of Oakland Executive Director says it’s the “moment to modernize”

Oakland, Calif. – February 29, 2024: In his annual State of the Port 2024 address, Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan highlighted proposed infrastructure and environmental projects that will reframe the future of shipping and transportation in Northern California. In his speech to a sold-out crowd of Port and Airport stakeholders, community leaders, and elected officials, Executive Director Wan emphasized the critical importance of proposed projects like widening the shipping turning basins at Oakland, modernizing Oakland International Airport terminals and implementing numerous projects to move the Port towards its zero-emissions goal.

"Through our focus on upgrading and modernizing infrastructure, the Port will reshape shipping, travel, and entertainment," said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. "All these projects are essential for local job creation and the economic vitality of the San Francisco Bay Area."

The Port has proposed modernization of the terminals at Oakland International Airport. This will allow it to accommodate future travel demand, improve passenger experience and provide a greater diversity of flights for the region. The proposed widening of the Oakland Seaport turning basins will make big-ship navigation safer and more efficient as well as protecting the jobs generated by the Port of Oakland.

Late last year, the Biden Administration announced that hydrogen projects at the Port of Oakland were in line for federal and state funding when California was designated as a hydrogen hub and awarded up to $1.2 billion in federal funding for project development.

Construction of a hydrogen fuel station has begun near the Oakland Seaport. It will provide hydrogen trucks that haul cargo with clean, zero-emissions energy. This is just one example of innovative projects that are cleaning the air in and around the Port of Oakland.

Mr. Wan emphasized, "2024 is the year we take action to move the Port forward. Modernization will help us grow while reducing our impact on surrounding communities. It is our moment to modernize."

VIDEO: See State of the Port 2024, Moment to Modernize video HERE.

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and Women in Logistics (WIL), benefit the WIL Scholarship Fund and the International Maritime Center.

About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

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