Megaship Benjamin Franklin arrives in Oakland early Thursday

Press Release

For Immediate Release
February 23, 2016

Megaship Benjamin Franklin arrives in Oakland early Thursday

Best spot to see largest container ship in U.S.? Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

Oakland, CA – February 23, 2016: Early birds will catch the megaship this week.  The 1,310-foot-long container vessel CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin arrives at the Port of Oakland Thursday.  That’s a day earlier than expected for the largest ship to ever visit a U.S. Port. Not only that, the ship is expected to berth in Oakland’s Middle Harbor at about 7 a.m.

Early risers will be able to get a close-up view, the Port said.  The Franklin will tie up at Berths 55-56 on Oakland Estuary.  That’s right next to the Port’s Middle Harbor Shoreline Park on Middle Harbor Road and 7th Street.  Parking and park access are free.

The Benjamin Franklin is making its second visit to Oakland.  It arrived New Year’s Eve on its maiden voyage.  Hundreds of spectators witnessed the arrival from vantage points along the San Francisco Bay shoreline.  More are expected this time with the opportunity to see the massive ship at close range.

The Franklin can carry up to 18,000 20-foot cargo containers.  It’s bound for Oakland from Long Beach where it arrived last week.  The vessel is scheduled to depart Friday afternoon for Seattle, its last U.S. stop before returning to Asia.

Check here for updates on the Benjamin Franklin’s voyage to Oakland.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. 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.

Contact:

Robert Bernardo,
Communications Manager
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1401

Marilyn Sandifur,
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1193

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