Port of Oakland launches maritime operations web portal

Prolonged waterfront labor talks have created need for “real time” information, said the port.    The Port of Oakland has launched a web portal to provide up-to-the-minute maritime operational updates, saying it has done so “in response to the prolonged waterfront labor talks which have created slowdowns along U.S. West coast ports.”
   The portal provides real-time information in blog format and allows visitors to receive customized e-mail alerts. The portal also contains key contact information for marine terminals, terminal operators, rail operators, and government partners.” It can be accessed using a yellow pop-up message on the Port of Oakland’s home page.
   The port notes its marine terminals will be closed for holidays both today, Feb. 12 and Feb. 16 with the exception of Ports America Outer Harbor, which will be open for limited operations; and Matson, which will be open Feb. 12.
   The Pacific Maritime Association said it was suspending vessel loading and discharge at West Coast ports Feb. 12, 14, 15 and 16 because of ongoing slowdowns by longshoremen.
   In an article on the portal, Oakland notes that 10-12 vessels are awaiting berths at its marine terminals, sometimes for days at a time. Vessels are arriving late and off-schedule due to delays at previous stops in Southern California.
   Some carriers are also omitting Oakland calls and discharging cargo in Southern California in an attempt to get ships back into a normal rotation.
   The port noted, “Cargo movement inside terminals has slowed down. Truck drivers sometimes face long waits to collect containerized imports for delivery. Cargo can be delayed days in reaching final destination.”