Monday, August 11, 2014
Port of Stockton to switch barge service from weekly to "as needed"
Effective Sept. 1, 2014, the Port of Stockton will shift its M-580 Marine Highway cargo barge project from a weekly service to an "as-needed" service. The M-580 has completed its 14-month demo, proving itself a viable, eco-friendly alternative for transporting containers to and from the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
"This project has demonstrated tremendous air quality benefits, reducing air emissions by 80 percent and truck trips by nearly 25,000, making highways safer," stated Richard Aschieris, director of the port. "The M-580 has significantly reduced associated maintenance costs as well."
"However, challenges remain as the Port of Stockton is the only operating underwriter of this regional project. During this initial period, we learned that the time it takes to build sustainable volumes was longer than anticipated."
The Stockton port said it has invested more than $8 million of its own funds in the barge project, and needs more financial partners to maintain a weekly service. Port officials have met with many state and federal agencies, but have been unable to identify a partner to help keep the weekly operation in place.
The port will continue to seek partners over the next year, the statement said.
"What has been established during this successful phase is that this project needs to be a part of the goods movement system in California," said Port Commission Chairman Victor Mow. "With the congestion we experience on I-580, as well as the air quality and safety benefits of the M-580, we look forward to the day we can bring the weekly service back to benefit our communities."
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