WASHINGTON: A transpacific shipping route linking Asia and the U.S. will add weekly Port of Oakland stops beginning in November. The port said today Oakland will become the sixth stop in the service operated by three Asian shipping lines. The service, known as the Calco-C, connects ports in Vietnam, China, and California. It’s expected to bring an additional 50 vessel arrivals to Oakland annually. That could increase Oakland cargo volume by as much as 30,000 TEU a year.
The port handled the equivalent of 2.28 million 20-foot containers last year. Volume growth could lead to more cargo-handling jobs in Oakland, the port said. “For the benefit of our customers and our community we’re pleased to be joining this service,” said Maritime Director John Driscoll. “It’s testament to the vibrant market we serve, and strengthens our role as a key gateway in the transpacific container trade.” The port said the service gives shippers more opportunity to import finished Asian goods such as wearing apparel and consumer electronics. It said exporters will gain new routes to Asia for commodities such as California agricultural products.
Other ports in the service include Cai Mep in Vietnam; Xiamen, Yantian, and Nansha in China; and the Port of Long Beach. The service is operated by Tokyo-based “K” Line; Wan Hai Lines of Taiwan; and Singapore’s Pacific International Lines. Seven ships from the three ocean carriers are deployed on the service. Each has the capacity to carry between 8,000 and 9,000 20-foot containers. The vessels will make weekly calls at the Port’s Oakland International Container Terminal beginning November 6.
