The port of Oakland in the United States has reached a critical milestone in the ongoing study about the expansion of its basins, namely “The Port of Oakland Turning Basins Widening Study”.
Specifically, the port issued A Notice of Preparation (NOP) to launch an environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on 31 May.
“This is an exciting time for the Port to advance the Turning Basins Widening Study,” said Port of Oakland maritime director, Bryan Brandes, who added, “As Lead Agency for CEQA, the Port is honored to take this next step in the study process of what would be a vital infrastructure project for improving how the Port accommodates large container ships.”
The study of the potential project for the expansion of the federal turning basins of Oakland is carried out by the port itself, in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) San Francisco District.
The draft Environmental Impact Report for public examination is expected to be completed in early 2023.
The basins were originally designed for ships that are shorter than the biggest, longest container vessels currently moving goods in the transpacific trade lanes. Today, these ships have transit restrictions at Oakland, which has resulted in some delays.
The study aims to determine the possibility of enlarging the basins and to support greater efficiency for large ships maneuvering at Oakland.
“The Port’s turning basins are critical infrastructure both regionally and nationally,” noted Brandes.
Port of Oakland maritime director explained that “it is important we continue to invest in our nation’s waterways to meet the needs of our customers and the goals of our Port stakeholders. This is the very reason why the Port has reserved nearly 10 acres of the Howard Terminal for expanding the Inner Harbor turning basin.”
Brandes concluded, “If the feasibility study deems expansion of the Inner Harbor turning basin necessary, the Port, with or without a future Howard Terminal ballpark project, has both the ability and authority to expand into Howard Terminal to ensure maritime operational efficiencies.”
