Port of Oakland video signals change in Port’s future

CMA CGM’s direct Asia service shows Oakland's import cargo potential

Port of Oakland says its business model is changing with the commitment by CMA CGM, a world leader in shipping and logistics, to launch a new direct service from Asia to the Port of Oakland. Oakland's Mayor and the Port's Executive Director pointed out important benefits.

"Congratulations to the Port of Oakland and CMA CGM on this first port of call service," said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf in a video statement. "This service signals the significance of the Port of Oakland in the global goods movement supply chain, and it means economic opportunity for Oakland and the entire region."

Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan highlighted business and community benefits, "Thank you CMA CGM for this first port of call service. It allows more imports to come directly to Oakland from Asia which helps us grow our container business while providing more jobs." 

The new Golden Gate Bridge service made its first North America stop at the Port of Oakland February 12, 2021, connecting the Shanghai, Yantian and Kaohsiung ports to Oakland. 

“This opens up so many possibilities,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “Our customers can significantly improve the transit time for getting their products to consumers with a first-call and also use Oakland to reach the U.S. interior through our rail connections.”

“The CMA CGM Group is pleased to introduce this Golden Gate Bridge service as we seek new ways to provide our customers with differentiated services, fast transit times and efficient access to their inland destinations,” said Ed Aldridge, President of CMA CGM America and APL North America. “We look forward to working closely with the Port of Oakland to help customers increase their speed to market and infuse more consistency into their supply chains.” 

First-call service is expected to boost rail shipments from Oakland. Imports headed for interior U.S. markets like Chicago or Memphis are offloaded on the West Coast and transported by rail to reach mid-west markets. This new service is expected to reduce the overall transit time to U.S. interior markets, which is important to cargo owners who want to get their products to consumers as fast as possible.

There's been significant e-commerce growth in the U.S. posing challenges for shippers. The Golden Gate Bridge service at Oakland provides a viable option to traditional shipping routes. 

Golden Gate Bridge service details below: 

• Operator – CMA CGM 
  
• Service schedule – weekly 
  
• Port rotation -- Shanghai, Yantian, Oakland, Seattle, Kaohsiung; 
  
• Transit times -- Yantian-to-Oakland, 12 days; Shanghai-to-Oakland, 17 days; Oakland-to-Kaohsiung, 19 days; 
  
• Oakland berthing – Oakland International Container Terminal.