Marine project launched to link three US ports

Federal Maritime Administrator David Matsuda and public officials broke ground in Stockton on a project to launch an inland marine highway linking that city's port with those in West Sacramento and Oakland, reported The Sacremento Bee.

In February, the US Department of Transportation announced it was awarding US$30 million in stimulus funds to a partnership to launch the project.

The project, called the Green Trade Corridor, aims to develop a water route that would enable barge transport among the three ports. Container barge service is being touted as an eco-friendly alternative to rail and trucks.

Officials at the three ports said the water route will be used primarily to ship consumer goods and agricultural products grown in Northern California.

West Sacramento officials have said they want to use a portion of the funds for a crane and other facilities to handle container cargo.
 

Source: Cargonews Asia