The Port of Oakland has approved the advancement of its Turning Basins Widening Project, following certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners.
The project will widen both the Inner and Outer Harbor turning basins at the Oakland Seaport to accommodate larger vessels, which now call regularly and face transit restrictions.
These limitations have caused operational inefficiencies such as berthing delays and difficulty connecting to shore power.
Port of Oakland Executive Director, Kristi McKenney, said: “We’re moving forward on a long-standing project that will preserve the port’s economic competitiveness and allow the port to continue delivering benefits to the local region and nation.”
To address environmental concerns raised by the community, the FEIR includes commitments to reduce air quality impacts and implement measures beyond legal requirements.
McKenney added: “We have listened to the community in the preparation of the FEIR to reduce major impacts, especially regarding air quality. We’re also using 100 per cent electric dredging and creating beneficial reuse opportunities for new wetland restoration with the material generated from the project.”
The design phase will begin later this year, with construction scheduled to start by mid-2027.
In May, container volumes at the Port of Oakland remained stable, with the port processing 974,417 TEUs — a 6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
