US shipping line Matson has launched a China-US vessel service, making its first call at the Port of Oakland.
It is the first China-to-Oakland service for Matson, and represents the third first-call service introduced to Oakland this year.
The new Matson service will call Chinese ports in Ningbo and Shanghai. It will make stops in Long Beach and Honolulu after visiting Oakland.
The Matson CCX service began on 27 July. The service will depart from China three out of every five weeks.
Matson projected 12-to-14-day ocean transits for its China-Oakland service. Ships will call at an Oakland marine terminal operated exclusively for the carrier’s vessels.
Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes commented, “Matson is a big part of the port’s business and we’re gratified that they want to expand our relationship by opening a Northern California gateway to China.”
Matson’s move is seen as reaffirmation of increasing demand for a Northern California trade gateway. It’s expected to grow containerised cargo business in Oakland, which is already on a record pace in 2021.
Port of Oakland is on pace to handle 2.6 million containers in 2021, which would be an all-time annual record.
A new first-call service from Matson could help ensure the mark is surpassed, the port said.
Honolulu-based Matson, known in Oakland for US-to-Hawaii service, operates China routes from Southern California.
