Record-Breaking Cranes Bolster
Infrastructure at the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland welcomed numerous record-
breaking cranes in 2021. In March, the final
installment of SSA Terminals' three gigantic cranes
– the tallest in North America – was completed.
The ship-to-shore cranes can lift cargo up to 174
feet above the dock, providing greater flexibility in
discharging and loading containers. Later in the
year, Everport Terminal Services put its biggest
crane into service, featuring a lift height from the
dock of 170 feet. The taller cranes help facilitate the
largest ships calling in North America.
Cruise Business Returns to
Northern California
In 2021, the cruise business returned to the Port of
San Francisco, marking a resurgence after COVID-
19 effectively sidelined the industry in the U.S. the
previous year. The Majestic Princess was the first
cruise vessel to call in the Bay Area in 2021, with
close to two dozen cruise calls through the end of
the year and a record 127 calls expected in 2022.
The cruise business had been projected to grow
as much as 30 percent in 2020 before COVID-19
restrictions led to the cancellation of 106 calls that
year. PMA worked with the ILWU to develop safety
protocols to safely service the ships.
2021 | THE YEAR IN REVIEW
Majestic Princess, docked at Pier 27, marks the first
cruise ship to return to San Francisco.
Giant ship-to-shore cranes sail past the Bay Bridge en route to the Port of Oakland.
29 29 PACIFIC MARITIME ASSOCIATION
