In the US, a Port of Oakland executive has outlined a US$600m spending plan today for growth at his West Coast trade gateway.
Maritime director John Driscoll told a maritime audience that Oakland would increase trade volume by investing in new facilities and better infrastructure, with an objective of handling more containerised cargo.
“We’re building for growth in a shipping industry that is becoming more and more competitive,' said Driscoll. “By investing with partners who share our vision, we can deliver services that will be of great value to the global supply chain.”
He said the Port would team with private developers and public agencies to modernise infrastructure, with investment from all three sources used to create new logistics capabilities in Oakland. It will also help eliminate bottlenecks that inhibit cargo flow, he said.
Driscoll said the Port has just completed a US$100m railyard near marine terminals and a proposed logistics complex.
The proximity of the new developments should be a drawing card for shippers, he said, and will enable cargo to be quickly shifted between rail, road and ocean transport – critical for time-sensitive international shipments.
