Kristi McKenney, Port of Oakland’s Executive Director, outlined the port’s progress, challenges, and opportunities during her first annual State of the Port keynote address, sponsored by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and Women in Logistics.
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McKenney thanked more than 275 business, community, and elected partners in attendance for their collaboration to advance the Bay Area economy. “We are proud the Port of Oakland supports nearly 100,000 regional jobs and serves as a vital economic engine for the East Bay and greater Bay Area,” McKenney said. “None of it is possible without our partners.”
McKenney said maritime operations remained steady year-over-year — outperforming expectations due in part to the Port’s balanced import-export strategy. “Our 50/50 cargo mix protects us from extreme market swings and continues to build resilience,” she said.
Looking ahead, the port anticipates economic improvement in 2026, including construction of new 450-foot-tall cranes at TraPac Terminal and continued progress on the Turning Basins Widening Project. The port is also accelerating decarbonisation efforts by transitioning to zero-emissions cargo equipment and trucks and strengthening its electrical grid with renewable and carbon-free power. These efforts are all being undertaken in close collaboration and partnership with a wide range of West and East Oakland community members and organisations who continue to advance the USD322 million Clean Ports federal grant that the port received in 2024.
McKenney emphasised the scale of current and planned investment. “Across our operations and development portfolio, the Port and our partners are committing hundreds of millions of dollars over the next five years — driving job creation, sustainability, and long-term economic growth for Oakland,” she said. Proceeds from the event benefit Women in Logistics’ scholarship fund and the Oakland International Maritime Center.