Port of Oakland hails waterfront work force ahead of Ports Day

Praise for "all on front line of supply chain" in face of pandemic

Oakland, CA - The Port of Oakland today praised dockworkers and their waterfront brethren for sustaining international trade.  The Port’s recognition preceded the annual Western Hemisphere Ports Day scheduled Sunday.  It carried added weight in the face of a coronavirus pandemic that has killed thousands and roiled economies worldwide.

“Ports including Oakland have been declared essential infrastructure and must keep operating for the public good and the future of trade,” pointed out Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll.  “That couldn’t happen without the waterfront work force that keeps cargo moving.  Dockworkers, truckers, all of those on the front line of the supply chain have earned our sincerest gratitude.”

The Port said it’s operating normally despite a shelter-in-place order issued by Alameda County March 16.  It gave the following status update:

Marine terminals continue full vessel and cargo operations though they’ve curtailed operating hours for preventative cleaning.

Supplies of equipment required to transport cargo – containers and chassis – are plentiful.

Vessel schedules have stabilized after shipping lines cut 20 voyages to Oakland between February and April.

The Port said that its continuing operations are a testament to those involved in the transport of global trade.  According to the American Association of Port Authorities, 650,000 people in the U.S. alone work in maritime jobs.  The Association said Ports Day highlights their contributions and courage in the face of an international health crisis.