Unlike many major U.S. ocean cargo gateways, the Port of Oakland has not succumbed to the temptation of diversifying its operations to accommodate the global cruise industry. This has always been a working port; up until recently, it had never even hosted a guest mega-cruise ship into its harbor.
All that changed rather dramatically in March as the Grand Princess—enroute to the Port of San Francisco—was diverted across the Bay when COVID-19 was discovered to have infected many of its passengers.
After being guided into Oakland by the San Francisco Bar Pilots with a U.S. Coast Guard escort, 2,400 passengers and 500 crewmembers exited the ship during its stay once it was docked. They all underwent medical checks for COVID-19 as they departed, and if no sign of the disease was found, they were allowed to depart to quarantines.
According to spokespeople, the Americans were then spread out over four military bases—including Travis Air Force Base—for federally mandated 14-day secure quarantines. Foreign travelers were flown by charter flights to their native countries.
The Bay Area maritime community was properly impressed by the performance of the bar pilots taking charge of this unusual navigational challenge. Equally impressive was the close collaboration between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association during this crisis.
Throughout this pandemic, labor and terminal management have been working cooperatively and maintaining close communication with the relevant federal, state and local government agencies as this situation continues to unfold. This includes the United States Coast Guard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, local port authorities and city governments.
Port Celebrates Dockworkers for Continued Operations
The Port of Oakland has also praised dockworkers and their waterfront brethren for sustaining international trade. The port’s recognition preceded the annual Western Hemisphere Ports Day held on April 5. It carried added weight in the face of a coronavirus pandemic that has killed thousands and roiled economies worldwide.
“Ports, including Oakland, have been declared essential infrastructure and must keep operating for the public good and the future of trade,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “That couldn’t happen without the waterfront workforce that keeps cargo moving. Dockworkers, truckers, all of those on the front line of the supply chain have earned our sincerest gratitude.”
The port was operating normally despite a shelter-in-place order issued by Alameda County last month. It gave the following status update at the time:
- Marine terminals continue full vessel and cargo operations, though they’ve curtailed operating hours for preventative cleaning;
- Supplies of equipment required to transport cargo—containers and chassis—are plentiful;
- Vessel schedules have stabilized after shipping lines cut 20 voyages to Oakland between February and April.
Port of Oakland Dockworker Dies After Fall; Driscoll Headed to Alabama
The Port of Oakland expressed its condolences following the death of a dockworker last month.
According to reports, a longshore laborer fell to his death from the deck of a container ship at berth. The port said the fatal accident was under investigation by local authorities.
“This is a tragedy that strikes everyone very deeply,” said Driscoll. “The waterfront is a tightly knit community and if a member of that community succumbs, we all share the grief.”
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union confirmed that the accident victim was one of its members. Longshore workers are hired by marine terminals to load and unload ships and move cargo containers.
“All of those on the front line of the supply chain have our heartfelt gratitude under these trying circumstances,” said Driscoll. “They’re keeping the economy going and doing their best to maintain some semblance of normalcy for all of us.”
Finally, news broke recently that Driscoll is moving on from the Port of Oakland to the Port of Mobile, Alabama in the coming months. While Oakland has yet to announce this development, it is likely that it will conduct an international search for a new maritime director soon.
