Oakland works on ‘green’ logistics hub

The project, which is part of a bigger US$100m port effort to significantly expand Oakland’s rail capacity, is expected to place the port in a better position to receive bulk rail shipments at the former army base from Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF railroads.

“Connecting the Oakland Army Base to the national rail network is a milestone for us,” said Chris Chan, engineering director. “To be successful, we must have good rail access.”

A 7,400ft load track and the reconfiguration of adjacent tracks is due to be completed by October, while the Trans-Pacific supply chains at the 360 acre former army base will be changed to include warehousing, trans-load facilities and a dry bulk cargo terminal.

The port says the project could change the way exports are moved since bulk shipments of commodities like Midwest grain and beef could be delivered to Oakland by rail, trans-loaded into containers at the port, and then exported via Asia-bound container vessels. In addition, bulk shipments of other commodities could also travel to Oakland by rail, loaded onto bulk vessels at a new dry bulk shipping terminal and then exported to Asia.