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Project with Army Corps of Engineers will modernize Oakland\u2019s waterways for next generation of world\u2019s largest and most environmentally advanced vessels<\/p>\n
Video Explainer on Turning Basins<\/a><\/p>\n Oakland, Calif. \u2013 August 27, 2026: Officials from the Port of Oakland and the Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement to widen and modernize Oakland\u2019s turning basins that will allow the world\u2019s next generation of large and environmentally advanced vessels to call Oakland. The design agreement is the first step in what will ultimately become a $640 million infrastructure project that will keep the Port of Oakland a competitive port city as cargo vessels continue to grow larger and become more efficient.<\/p>\n \u201cInvesting in critical infrastructure today ensures Oakland remains a competitive port city for generations to come,\u201d said Kristi McKenney, Port of Oakland Executive Director. \u201cLarger vessels and taller cranes are the lifeline to our regional economy, and we\u2019re grateful our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers share our vision for a more prosperous, efficient, and safer future.\u201d<\/p>\n The design agreement signed aboard the historic USS Potomac \u2013 nicknamed \u201cThe Floating White House\u201d by President Franklin D. Roosevelt \u2013 was made possible by several elected officials who have advocated to fund the project in Washington D.C.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Turning Basins Widening Project is a prime model of local, state, and federal governments coming together to drive innovation and economic growth. I was proud to advocate for this project through the Congressional appropriations process and look forward to this project modernizing our port, supporting thousands of local jobs, and ensuring Oakland remains competitive on the global stage,\u201d said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon.<\/p>\n \u201cInvesting in the Port\u2019s infrastructure is an investment in the future of Oakland,\u201d stated Mayor Barbara Lee. \u201cFor decades, I\u2019ve worked with the Port to secure funding for dredging maintenance, create thousands of good paying jobs, and lead on environmental and climate solutions. The Turning Basins Project ensures our Port remains an economic engine along Oakland\u2019s skyline.\u201d<\/p>\n The Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Project started roughly in 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2030. The project underwent an extensive community outreach process and completed the environmental review process to ensure any impacts to the waterfront were safely mitigated. Dredging from the project will create new beneficial reuse opportunities for the Montezuma Wetlands restoration project in Solano County.<\/p>\n Turning basins are much like a cable car turnaround but on the water. Cargo vessels today are often 1,300 feet long \u2013 as long as the Salesforce Tower on its side \u2013 and need to turn around in an estuary that currently only offers 150 feet of clearance on either side. As vessels grow larger \u2014 and with Oakland installing the West Coast\u2019s tallest cranes last month \u2014 the turning basins project will ensure more efficient passage for the world\u2019s largest ships to call on the Oakland port.<\/p>\n The project was the result of a years-long collaboration among the waterfront\u2019s stakeholders \u2013 labor unions, terminal operators, maritime industry, environmental advocates, and residents who depend upon a thriving economy at the Port for jobs and careers. Together with the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, the Port of Oakland\u2019s seaport activities help to generate nearly 100,000 jobs throughout the Northern California region.<\/p>\n About the Port of Oakland Media Contacts
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits, and environmental innovation as it decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), the Oakland Seaport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone\u2019s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland<\/a> and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport<\/a> through Facebook and Twitter or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.<\/p>\n
Justin Berton
Port of Oakland
Communications Director
(510) 627-1401
[email\u00a0protected]<\/a><\/p>\n