By Mark Edward Nero
Container terminal operator and stevedore TraPac LLC plans to nearly double its marine terminal size at the Port of Oakland, the company revealed Oct. 13.
TraPac, which began Oakland operations in 1991 and also manages terminals in Los Angeles and Jacksonville, Florida says it plans to lease an additional 57 acres and two vessel berths on the Port of Oakland’s Outer Harbor. If the deal is approved, it would strengthen TraPac’s position as the second-largest terminal operator in Oakland.
According to the Port of Oakland, TraPac will invest to upgrade and modernize the new terminal acreage under its control in Oakland. Among other things, TraPac says it plans to construct a new gate to give harbor truckers better access to the terminal.
TraPac disclosed its plans at the most recent meeting of Oakland’s Board of Port Commissioners. The proposed 14-year lease agreement with the port becomes final if the Board approves it at an Oct. 27 meeting.
“This is a significant step forward for TraPac and the port,” Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll said. “TraPac gets room to expand its thriving business and the port gets to revitalize valuable property with a highly respected tenant.”
TraPac, which handles 20 percent of the containerized cargo moving through the Port of Oakland, manages two vessel berths and 66 acres of land. Under the new agreement, it would have four berths and 123 acres, with much of the land used for cargo handling.
“Our business is growing and placing new demands on our operations,” said Mike Porte, general manager of TraPac’s Oakland site. “With this new agreement we can meet the demands and the service expectations of our customers.”
“With this expansion, we’re demonstrating our long-term commitment to Oakland,” Porte said.
