Oakland Port Commissioners reappointed for new four-year terms

The reappointments of Oakland Board of Port Commissioners Andreas Cluver and Arabella Martinez to both serve another four-year term were confirmed by the Oakland City Council on July 16, 2024.

“I am very pleased with the reappointment of Port Commissioners Andreas Cluver and Arabella Martinez and I look forward to our continued work with them,” said Michael Colbruno, President of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners. “They have played an invaluable role in helping the Port grow the regional economy, generate new jobs, and meet our clean energy goals."

During their prior terms, Cluver and Martinez have helped make great strides in growing the Port’s positive economic impacts at both the Oakland Seaport and at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport while providing critical oversight and leadership in the Port’s decarbonization efforts and the reduction of the emissions impact of its maritime and aviation operations. Here are just a few examples:

• The Board adopted a revised Environmental Ordinance that requires its tenants to submit implementation plans to convert their cargo handling equipment to zero emissions, allowing the Port to assess the tenant zero emission infrastructure needs and support grant program funding opportunities to its tenants.

• The Port has partnered with Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) for the competitive and successful designation of California as a federal Hydrogen Hub and is working to accelerate California’s transition to clean hydrogen with projects slated for the Port of Oakland. Additionally, the Port is a partner with the NorCal ZERO project, a $53 million collaborative effort that has deployed 30 Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks and opened the largest hydrogen fueling station in the country to serve Port of Oakland truckers.

• The Board has supported the Port’s voluntarily commitments as a leading environmental steward in the transportation industry. The Port is a certified member of the Green Marine Program, a voluntary program that provides a framework for the Port to reduce our environmental footprint in the maritime industry. The Port is also a member of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, a voluntary program that commits the Port to reducing emissions from airport operations.

• The Port was awarded $119 million from a state grant program to redevelop the Outer Harbor and electrify yard equipment at the Seaport to support the Port’s zero emissions goals. Additionally, the state awarded the Port a separate $42 million grant to develop a Green Power microgrid at the Seaport, which includes heavy duty truck chargers, battery electric storage systems, and locally generated renewable solar power.

• This past February 2023, the Port held its first-ever environmental symposium at the Oakland Seaport which brought together national and international maritime, aviation, commercial real estate, environmental, business, government, and community leaders to collaborate on innovative zero-emissions solutions.

Cluver brings his expertise in labor relations to the Board. He served as the President of the Board from 2020-2022 and is currently the First Vice President. His experience includes:

• Secretary-Treasurer, Alameda County Building Trades Council

• Program Director, AFL-CIO, South Africa

• Compliance Officer, Northern California Electrical Construction Industry

Martinez is credited as the driving force behind the creation of the iconic Fruitvale Transit Village. She leverages her vast community service to the greening of Port facilities. Her experience includes:

• Founder and first CEO, Unity Council, Oakland

• Assistant Secretary, U.S. Office of Human Development Services

• President, Center for Policy Development, Oakland and Washington, D.C.

In accordance with the Oakland City Charter, the Mayor appoints commissioners, and the City Council confirms the appointments. Both Commissioners joined the Port Board in 2016. The City of Oakland Charter gives the seven-member Board of Port Commissioners exclusive control and management of the Port of Oakland. Members must live in Oakland. Port Commissioners donate their time to the Board as they serve without salary or compensation.