Pioneering spirit and environmental progress establish the Port of Oakland as a benchmark

PORT OF OAKLAND MANAGEMENT INVESTS IN CLEAN ENERGY AND AIMS FOR ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2030 (Alexandre Lopes)

The third day of Missão Internacional Porto & Mar 2025, promoted by Grupo Tribuna in the United States, was marked by the Brazilian delegation’s visit to the San Francisco Bay Area, California, for a series of technical meetings. The itinerary began at the Port of Oakland, one of the main logistics hubs on the U.S. West Coast, which in 2024 recorded a 10% increase in cargo volume compared to the previous year.

According to Ron Brown, Marketing Manager of the Port of Oakland, the complex began receiving container ships in 1962, becoming the first on the West Coast to do so. By comparison, container handling at the Port of Santos began in the second half of the 1960s. At that time, Oakland had already become the second-largest container port in the world.

Port of Oakland is one of the main logistics hubs on the West Coast of the United States (Alexandre Lopes)

Also according to Brown, in a presentation to the delegation, the main export items from the Port of Oakland are wine, citrus and dried fruits, nuts, protein products, automobiles, and auto parts. On the import side, highlights include electronics, machinery, vehicles, glass, and wood — confirming the versatility of the logistics complex, one of 12 in operation in the state of California.

In addition to operational performance, the port stands out for its environmental initiatives and its path toward zero carbon emissions, in line with other companies and ports visited by the Missão Internacional since the beginning of the week. However, Oakland has set a shorter timeline to achieve this goal: by 2030. In the first half of 2024, 94% of docked ships used electricity supplied by the port, significantly reducing pollutant emissions.

DELEGATION LED BY GRUPO TRIBUNA MET WITH AUTHORITIES AND BUSINESS LEADERS IN OAKLAND (Alexandre Lopes)

These and other details were presented by Brown to the delegation members, who took the opportunity to exchange information with the American team and clarify questions about Oakland’s progress over recent decades. The port generates approximately 84,000 direct and indirect jobs and has a depth of 15 meters, sufficient to accommodate large vessels.

Next, the Brazilian delegation met with various representatives of stakeholders operating in U.S. ports, including Edgard Capdevielle, Fred Jordan, Leonne A., Matthew LaFiandra, Walter E. Allen, and Anthony Harris Jr. They presented services related to logistics optimization, terminal technology, and international drug trafficking prevention, among other topics.

The delegation of the Missão Internacional Porto & Mar 2025, organized by Grupo Tribuna, concludes its agenda in the United States today. After two days in the state of Washington, the group — composed of around 40 businesspeople and officials — has been in California since yesterday, following a technical schedule that offers new business opportunities. The program was developed by Grupo Tribuna’s port affairs consultant, Maxwell Rodrigues. A Tribuna and TV Tribuna are covering the mission with a series of reports.

“It was a very productive day because the advancements and challenges they shared here are common to ports worldwide. What stood out was their concern with involving the local community with the port. During our visit, we saw that commitment in action, as they made a point to introduce us to local entrepreneurs and highlight their work, creating opportunities for them. It's a great example to follow”, says Solange Freitas (União), State Deputy ()

“The lectures were very important, especially for their discussion on the energy transition in Oakland — from diesel to electricity and now to hydrogen. Another key point was the concern shown by local authorities for workers, engaging in dialogue before making decisions. That’s something we rarely see in our country”, says Paulo Corrêa Jr. (PSD), State Deputy ()

“In Oakland, we saw solutions that could be brought to the Port of Santos. One example: in our terminals, ships remain running constantly, increasing pollutant emissions. Here, it’s different — they plug into a sort of outlet and receive clean energy. This directly impacts quality of life, environmental health, and public health. These advancements could be implemented in Santos”, says Adilson Júnior (PP), President of the Santos City Council ()

“Americans are able to attract financial stakeholders to consider sustainability. The ports of Seattle and Oakland share the same agenda, which aligns with municipal goals. In Santos, we will soon launch a public call for expressions of interest to facilitate carbon credit trading in the city — a measure aligned with what we’ve learned here in the U.S”, says Fábio Ferraz, Secretary of Government of Santos ()

“What really stood out was the use of technology in managing and operating the Port of Oakland. And, of course, their environmental approach — incorporating a new energy matrix with electric trucks and cranes. We know combustion trucks pollute heavily and affect urban life, and here they’re seeking alternatives to that”, says Alberto Mourão (MDB), Mayor of Praia Grande ()

“It’s impressive to witness how technology evolves and modernizes. There’s no turning back, and it’s a process that really inspires us. We were introduced to a tool that was originally used solely for civil construction and engineering projects, but has now become a design software for various sectors. What we must take home is the need to invest in education and knowledge. We need to leverage our universities for this — without technology, we’ll be left behind”, says Otávio Luís Grottone, Logistics Project Director at Eldorado Brasil Celulose ()

(Missão Internacional Porto & Mar 2025)