According to the Port of Oakland, they joined the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) initiative. FLOW is aimed at integrating the nation’s supply chain.
FLOW creates a more robust system for sharing information with public and private stakeholders in the freight business. Oakland and other major West Coast container ports will be able to share information in real-time. FLOW will make it possible to modernise Oakland’s maritime operations further, identify points of supply chain congestion, and support coordinated solutions.
Statement from Executive Director
“We appreciate the USDOT for the opportunity to join the FLOW initiative,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “FLOW will allow us to leverage valuable, goods movement information with our existing data initiatives. This will result in creating a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chain up and down the West Coast.”
Participants using FLOW data can make better operational planning decisions. This contributes to a more seamless movement of freight in the nation. Efficient maritime operations minimise port congestion, reduce emissions, and cut costs that impact consumer prices.
FLOW Participation & Initiative
FLOW is among the first public-private partnerships providing real-time information about the nation’s supply chain to its members. The initiative assembles data from various sources. This may include purchase order details and booking information from importers. Those details can be combined with shipping and transportation information from ocean carriers, port terminals, and railroads.
FLOW was launched as a response to disruptions in the supply chain from soaring consumer demand during the pandemic and allows stakeholders to work together to modernize operations.
FLOW complements Oakland’s existing local and state initiatives for data interoperability and information sharing. In July, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development awarded $3 million to the Port of Oakland. This funding supports the deployment of state-of-the-art technologies to build a Port Integrated Data Environment, enhancing the Port’s current data and cargo visibility initiatives, including the Oakland Portal.
Port of Oakland
Oakland Portal offers real-time information on marine terminal turn times for truck drivers, dispatchers, and port staff. The Freight Intelligent Transportation System (FITS) includes technology that addresses traffic management, security systems and roadway improvements at the Oakland Seaport. All these systems combined lead to the greater efficiency of Port of Oakland maritime operations.
The Port of Oakland continues to invest in shore power improvements and plans to install mobile shore power outlets in the future. This would make it the first port in the nation to offer such technology. Mobile shore power allows vessels greater flexibility to plug in at the dock, even when ships cannot easily align with the existing stationary plugs. This innovation is another example of how the Port of Oakland is leading in technology to reduce emissions from maritime operations.
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Source: Port of Oakland
