Port of Hueneme Begins Cargo Project

Marking its second expansion in two weeks, the Port of Hueneme is set to begin renovating an 11 1/2-acre parcel adjacent to its south terminal.

The land will become a short-term storage area for imported automobiles and other “roll on-roll off” cargo, such as tractors, heavy machinery and other items with wheels or mounted on trailers. The project, including $3.9 million paid for the property in September 2000, will cost $7.1 million.

The Port of Hueneme specializes in non-containerized cargo -- items such as automobiles, fresh fruit and produce -- and cars represent 22% of its imports. Michael A. Plisky, president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners, said the added space will mean more revenue as the port creates additional cargo-handling capacity.

“We’re already short of parking space,” Plisky said. “This gives us the ability to bring on additional business. We can bring in more ships and more cars per ship.”

Along with increased profits, the expansion at the eastern edge of the port will generate extra jobs at the only deep-water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“We’ll be employing more longshoremen along the way, and they’ll be working more hours,” said Plisky, adding that more efficient auto handling allows the port to attract other customers that could use some space that is now used to accommodate imported cars.

The project’s groundbreaking ceremony Friday comes during one of the busiest months for vehicle arrivals. In the next two weeks, more than 9,000 automobiles are due to be unloaded in the Port of Hueneme; in December 2001, nearly 23,000 vehicles arrived at the facility.

When the expanded terminal opens next summer, every auto importer at the port will have access. Pacific Vehicle Processors -- which handles Jaguars, Land Rovers, Mitsubishis, Suzukis and Volvos -- is expected to be the primary user.

As part of a land swap that consolidated the deal, the city of Port Hueneme picked up an easement along a nearby sea wall, which will allow a public trail leading to the Hueneme Lighthouse to be completed.

Just last week, the harbor district signed a 30-year deal with the U.S. Navy for joint use of a 1,000-foot-long Navy wharf next to the port’s north terminal and 25 acres of adjacent land.

That deal adds a sixth berth to the port and also has the potential of increasing district operating revenue by nearly 30%.