Pacific Maritime Association

26 T H E Y E A R I N R E V I E W Despite this forward progress, Oakland experienced a significant number of work stoppages, as ILWU Local 10 on multiple occasions either did not provide sufficient labor, put up pickets or otherwise slowed opera- tions. Unfortunately, these actions project an image of instability that can erode shippers' confidence and cause them to rethink their routes. Looking ahead, the steady and reliable supply of labor will be a key issue in enabling the port to remain competitive. New Mega-Terminal in Oakland During the summer, Oakland created the third largest terminal on the West Coast by combining adjacent terminals into one 350-acre mega-terminal operated by SSAT. Consolidation allows Oakland to create facilities better suited for the larger vessels now common in the region. The new ter- minal is more in line with competing terminals, allowing the port to sustain and attract more maritime cargo. Oakland Transforms Army Base into Global Trade and Logistics Center In November, Oakland began con- struction on the Oakland Global Trade and Logistics Center, a $1.2 billion master plan that will transform the former 330-acre Oakland Army Base into a hub for transporting cargo more efficiently. The project will include a new 55-65 acre rail yard, more than 1 million square feet of warehouse space and a new bulk terminal. Funding comes from a combination of local, state, federal and private dollars. The project is expected to bolster the port's ability to compete globally, allow higher volumes of cargo to be transported more quickly, and create an estimated 1,500 construction jobs. It also includes a community jobs agreement that encourages con- struction employers to hire local and disadvantaged job applicants. The City of Oakland esti- mates that 1,800 permanent jobs will be created once the $500-million first phase is complete. Safety and Training In order to bring workforce safety into focus, repre- sentatives from the Joint Accident Pre- vention Committee met regularly in 2013 to discuss specific safety and training needs. Terminal operators implemented a number of their recommendations, which helped to create a safer water- front. Northern California's lost- time injury rate dropped 26 percent, compared to the previous year. This reduction contributed to an overall decline in the injury rate coast-wide, making 2013 the safest year on record in terms of injuries. The PMA also began offering training on a state-of-the art container crane simulator, reducing time awaiting availability of equipment, providing an effective proving ground for pre-qualification of applicants, and improving safety. For skilled training of this nature, the PMA administers and develops the curriculum for the program and the ILWU provides the instructors. Autos and Agriculture Lead Niche Cargo Gains Northern California saw a double- digit increase in auto cargo, with the ports of Benicia and Richmond leading the way. As in previous years, Benicia once again processed hun- dreds of thousands of vehicles from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota. Benicia remains the local hub for the distribution of imported Ford and Chrysler automobiles, and handles the processing of all Toyota imports to Northern California. The Port of Richmond is also a regional leader in automobile tonnage, serving as a major entry point for vehicles from Asia. The Port of Stockton continues to expand its niche role as a bulk cargo specialist, exporting Central Valley agriculture around the world. Along with the Port of Sacramento, it con- tinues to export rice and fertilizer to the Far East, notably to China, where urbanization is causing farmers to leave their land – affecting farm output and the food supply. 26 2 0 1 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T Regional Developments: Northern California T he Port of Oakland, one of the top four ports on the West Coast, saw significant investment during 2013 as a new mega-terminal opened and other terminal upgrades moved forward. The port also began efforts to convert a former army base into a trade and logistics center. Horizon calls at Ports America Outer Harbor in Oakland.

• Cover