Port of Oakland leaders joined the Port Decarbonization & Green Shipping Corridor Symposium to discuss the important work being done to reduce greenhouse gas footprints globally and locally. Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan addressed port industry colleagues on the latest projects being implemented at Oakland to significantly cut carbon emissions from port and maritime shipping operations. California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (the Ministry) convened the Symposium in Los Angeles, CA.
Ports of Oakland and Yokohama officials signed the green Shipping Corridor MOU this week.
Port of Oakland is the third busiest maritime gateway on the U.S. West Coast. It is a key shipping link in the Asia-U.S. West Coast trade route and global network. Oakland is the preferred agricultural export gateway for California’s Central Valley with connections to the Midwest via rail.
Japan is a major U.S. trade partner and a top destination for U.S. exports from Oakland. This cargo business accounts for 16% of all exports leaving from the Oakland Seaport. One part of the event included the signing of a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to accelerate decarbonization of the supply chain between Oakland and Japanese ports. The Green Shipping Corridor MOU was signed Thursday, October 19, 2023, by officials from the Port of Oakland, USA, and the Port of Yokohama, Japan. It paves the way to share best practices on implementation of green initiatives to transform operations all along the supply chain.
The Ports of Oakland and Yokohama plan to share their best practices on a variety of projects that reduce carbon emissions including developing low carbon and zero-emissions cargo handling equipment; trucks and other transportation equipment; exploring alternatives to petroleum-based fuel sources; and leveraging their leadership positions to advocate for green ports and the creation of a Green Shipping Corridor between these two important trade gateways.
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility.