Seaport Logistics Complex

A long-held vision to revitalize Oakland’s decommissioned Army Base and transform the Port of Oakland is nearing reality.  Port Commissioners in November 2017 approved a landmark deal with CenterPoint Properties for a logistics center at the former Base.  It would be the first building in the Port’s proposed 180-acre Seaport Logistics Complex. CenterPoint said work could begin on the project in the first quarter of 2018.

The deal with CenterPoint caps nearly 15 years of planning for the most-anticipated Port growth project ever.  Port officials consider the Seaport Logistics Complex a game-changer for global trade and transportation.

“There’s not anything like it on the U.S. West Coast,” says John Driscoll, the Port’s Maritime Director. “This Complex will make it faster and cheaper to import and export containerized goods internationally than ever before.”

The plan calls for Oak Brook, IL-based CenterPoint Properties to build a 440,000-square foot distribution center adjacent to the Port’s $100 million rail yard. It will be located across the street from marine terminals where container ships berth in Oakland.

Click here to see full information on the Seaport Logistics Complex.

CenterPoint officials say the project will distinguish Oakland on two counts:

• The distribution center would be the largest warehouse-style building at any U.S. West Coast port.
• It would be one of few nationally where cargo could be transloaded within a port’s footprint for transport by ship, truck or train. That’s how international shippers can expect to cut transportation costs while accelerating shipment time.

The Port will lease property to CenterPoint, which will manage the facility. The land is the site of a former Army Supply Depot shuttered in 1999. The Port and City of Oakland each received 240-acre parcels from the closure.

The Seaport Logistics Complex is expected to create hundreds of jobs in construction and warehousing. The Port’s agreement with CenterPoint includes a jobs policy giving hiring priority to residents from the neighboring community. Disadvantaged residents would receive special employment consideration. Community activists have hailed the agreement as a national model for equitable development and job creation that strengthens local communities.

Oakland Maritime officials expect the Seaport Logistics Complex to increase the Port’s containerized cargo volume. That could spur additional hiring on the waterfront to handle the extra load.

Long-range planning for future developments at the Seaport Logistics Complex development is still underway. The Port has not yet indicated a timeline for additional projects.