Port of Oakland’s new Maritime Director shares outlook

Bryan Brandes seeks to grow capacity during pandemic

Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes today touted key projects to help the Port through the current global pandemic. In a video update, Mr. Brandes discussed long-term strategies to secure the Oakland Seaport's future. He pointed to the opening of a new logistics center, arrival of giant container cranes, and increasing cold storage capacity.

COVID-19 has slowed the container shipping industry in recent months. However, canceled ship sailings are on the decline at the Port of Oakland.

Mr. Brandes discussed key projects that will help the Port grow long-term capacity:

• Seaport logistics center opening later this year to speed up the transport of cargo to U.S. destinations
  
• Giant cranes arriving in late 2020 to attract newer, bigger ships
  
• Oakland’s ‘Cool Port’ facility doubling the Port's temperature-controlled storage and logistics capacity
  

Mr. Brandes was appointed Maritime Director in June 2020. He arrived during the pandemic when the Port's overall container volume declined 2.3 percent from the previous year. A 25-year shipping industry veteran, he has worked with ocean carrier companies, port authorities, trucking companies, and rail partners. Mr. Brandes said the Port's biggest advantage is its strong customer relationships, which will remain key to future success.