Port of Oakland sees lower box volumes

26/09/2023

Container volume at the Port of Oakland fell in August compared to the same month last year with the Californian port handling 135,253 TEUs, down 13.1% year-on-year.

“However, the robust volume in August 2022 draws an unrealistic comparison to this August’s numbers,” noted the US port.

Vessel calls have continued to grow throughout 2023, reporting 650 vessel calls through the end of August, rising 13% over the number of vessel calls in August 2022.

Port of Oakland’s official said, “This indicates that port operations are running smoothly, boasting better on-time performance of ships, and less congestion at docks and at inland warehouses.”

“While August’s container volumes might not be where we want them to be, there are indicators that point to a bright future for the seaport,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes, adding, “Improved port operations, coupled with our on-going investment in greening the port, will provide on-going benefits to importers and exporters.”

In more detail, full imports in August dropped by 17.5% with 72,481 TEUs, while full exports shrunk by 7.5% with 62,733 TEUs. Empty imports were down by 11.1%, moving 13,329 TEUs in August 2023, while empty exports declined 29.6%, registering 30,579 TEUs.

Exports have slumped, pointing to the continued decline in the export of wastepaper and recyclable materials for processing. However, there is optimism that agricultural exports will pick up.

According to the announcement, vessels are running on schedule and unloading and loading cargo with little disruption, which are favorable conditions, especially for exporters.

Source: Container News