Keaton PetersNorthern California’s largest port is planning for major upgrades by 2030. The Port of Oakland has released a five-year strategic plan to modernize infrastructure, achieve zero emissions and grow its economic impact. The plan targets major upgrades across the port’s aviation, maritime and commercial real estate operations while looking to achieve environmental sustainability and community benefits.
The port currently supports about 98,000 jobs and generates $174 billion in regional economic activity per year. Increasing competition in both seaport and airport operations have pushed Oakland seaport from the fourth-busiest to the 10th busiest container port in the nation over the past decade. As ports nationwide are racing to modernize to handle increased trade volumes while adapting to climate challenges, Oakland’s strategic plan will guide investments to ensure the port maintains its competitive edge.
“The port is a public asset designed to benefit everyone,” said Michael Colbruno, president of the Port Commission, in the introduction to the strategic plan. “We will grow the economic opportunities, jobs and community benefits for our region by fully capturing the travel, goods movement and leisure markets of the San Francisco Bay Area and the greater region.”
Major initiatives include expanding electrical infrastructure to support zero-emissions equipment, modernizing the Oakland International Airport, improving seaport cargo handling efficiency and developing underutilized waterfront properties. The port will focus heavily on upgrading electrical substations and installing charging infrastructure to facilitate the transition to clean energy operations.
The Port Commission plans to complete the 7th Street Grade Separation project and expand the inner harbor turning basin to accommodate larger vessels. The port intends to reverse the flat growth in container volume, which has hovered around 2.3 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually for over a decade.
The airport modernization program will focus on improving terminal facilities and passenger amenities while pursuing new domestic and international routes. Current passenger volumes of 11 million annually remain below the pre-pandemic peak of 13.5 million in 2018.
The strategy also emphasizes workforce development, with programs to create career pathways in emerging green energy jobs and expand opportunities for local businesses. The port plans to implement new job referral systems and training programs to connect residents with employment opportunities.
The plan’s funding strategy will rely on a multi-pronged approach, with federal and state grant funding playing a vital role, particularly for clean energy infrastructure investments. While pursuing these external funding sources, the port is simultaneously working to develop additional revenue streams through real estate development and expanded commercial operations.
Implementation of the strategic plan will roll out in phases starting this year, with the port providing public input opportunities on various aspects throughout the year. Major infrastructure projects are expected to break ground within the next 18-24 months, pending environmental review and funding commitments.
Photo courtesy
Jeffrey G. Katz
Port Of Oakland, California with Oakland Bay Bridge and San Francisco in background
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
