September 15, 2026 — Project with Army Corps of Engineers will modernize Oakland’s waterways for next generation of world’s largest and most environmentally advanced vessels
Officials from the Port of Oakland and the Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement to widen and modernize Oakland’s turning basins that will allow the world’s next generation of large and environmentally advanced vessels to call Oakland. The design agreement is the first step in what will ultimately become a $640 million infrastructure project that will keep the Port of Oakland a competitive port city as cargo vessels continue to grow larger and become more efficient.
Click here to watch a video explainer on turning basins.
“Investing in critical infrastructure today ensures Oakland remains a competitive port city for generations to come,” said Kristi McKenney, Port of Oakland Executive Director. “Larger vessels and taller cranes are the lifeline to our regional economy, and we’re grateful our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers share our vision for a more prosperous, efficient, and safer future.”
The design agreement signed aboard the historic USS Potomac – nicknamed “The Floating White House” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt – was made possible by several elected officials who have advocated to fund the project in Washington D.C.
“The Turning Basins Widening Project is a prime model of local, state, and federal governments coming together to drive innovation and economic growth. I was proud to advocate for this project through the Congressional appropriations process and look forward to this project modernizing our port, supporting thousands of local jobs, and ensuring Oakland remains competitive on the global stage,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon.
“Investing in the Port’s infrastructure is an investment in the future of Oakland,” stated Mayor Barbara Lee. “For decades, I’ve worked with the Port to secure funding for dredging maintenance, create thousands of good paying jobs, and lead on environmental and climate solutions. The Turning Basins Project ensures our Port remains an economic engine along Oakland’s skyline.”
The Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Project started roughly in 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2030. The project underwent an extensive community outreach process and completed the environmental review process to ensure any impacts to the waterfront were safely mitigated. Dredging from the project will create new beneficial reuse opportunities for the Montezuma Wetlands restoration project in Solano County.
Turning basins are much like a cable car turnaround but on the water. Cargo vessels today are often 1,300 feet long – as long as the Salesforce Tower on its side – and need to turn around in an estuary that currently only offers 150 feet of clearance on either side. As vessels grow larger — and with Oakland installing the West Coast’s tallest cranes last month — the turning basins project will ensure more efficient passage for the world’s largest ships to call on the Oakland port.
The project was the result of a years-long collaboration among the waterfront’s stakeholders – labor unions, terminal operators, maritime industry, environmental advocates, and residents who depend upon a thriving economy at the Port for jobs and careers. Together with the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, the Port of Oakland’s seaport activities help to generate nearly 100,000 jobs throughout the Northern California region.
