Freight News, Sea

Ports America Refocuses West Coast Strategy

[ February 1, 2016   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Stevedore and terminal operating company Ports America is focusing its business strategies on increasing its West Coast presence through additional investments and expansion of services into new terminals. Areas of concentration include Los Angeles, Long Beach, the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. These regions have been identified as most suited to its realignment goals.

Ports America’s long-standing joint venture partnership at West Basin Container Terminal (WBCT) and its recently acquired 30 percent ownership of International Transportation Services (ITS) are key locations for Ports America’s strategy.

Accordingly, Ports America is active in planning its expansion and investment opportunities in its existing locations at both the Port of Tacoma and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Further, Ports America has been invited into the process for new opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. As part of its ongoing successful management of cargo operations, Ports America will continue to work with all stakeholders, personnel and labor as part of its targeted expansion strategy.

Given this strategy, the JV partners in Outer Harbor Terminal, LLC (OHT) have decided to change the arrangement with the Port of Oakland by returning back to the port the OHT leased property. OHT is organizing this exit transition to ensure seamless continuity of services. OHT will be coordinating closely with equipment suppliers and other vendors as it continues to provide vessel services for 30 days and then take an additional 30 days to transition out of the terminal.

This West Coast strategy complements what Ports America already has accomplished on the East Coast.

Tags: Ports America