December 05 - The port of Stockton continues to pursue its role as a niche port specialising in servicing breakbulk, project cargoes, dry and liquid bulks and other non-containerised cargoes.

Officials from the port say that it has received approval from U.S. Dept. of Commerce Foreign Trade Zones Board for expansion of Foreign Trade Zone # 231 at the inland seaport.

The expansion to take place at the nearly 475-acre Opus Logistics Center in East Stockton is the eighth site approved for Stockton.

"This expansion is part of the port's commitment to supporting economic development in the San Joaquin Valley," says Henry McKay, Port of Stockton special projects manager. "Its strategic location next to the Burlington Northern and Sante Fe railroads intermodal road promises to play an important role in promoting global trade and in turn creating family wage jobs.

"The inclusion of this private facility in our Foreign Trade Zone presents a number of benefits to shippers whether or not the use the FTZ or not. The Opus West Facility is located adjacent to the BNSF Mariposa Yard in East Stockton. Project cargoes, whether they are heavy lift or just not road legal, can be transferred directly to the BNSF system and moved to or from the Port of Stockton. At the Port of Stockton, on dock rail allows direct transfer from ship to rail.

 
  
"The timing of this park being available is also fortunate since it coincides with a concerted effort of the Maritime Administration to provide short sea shipping opportunities under their Marine Highway initiative."
 

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