Cargo returns to San Francisco

News 23 Aug 2016 by WCN Editorial

Pasha Automotive services has handled its first shipment of automobiles at the Port of San Francisco.

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Pasha Automotive Services (PAS), a subsidiary of the Pasha Group, recently signed a 15-year lease to operate on 69 acres at Pier 80 in San Francisco, which has four berths. This week PAS handled its first vessel call, unloading 500 automobiles from Pasha Hawaii’s own MV Jean Anne. PAS will handle both import an export shipments, and perform value added auto logistics services at the site.

The inaugural call was attended by San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, who welcomed the return of cargo to its port. “Pasha Automotive’s transformation of Pier 80 reopens our City as a national hub for shipping and trade,” said Mayor Ed Lee. “The revival of a once thriving industry ushers in a new era of commerce at the Port of San Francisco, bringing economic growth and creating hundreds of new local skilled-worker jobs in the Southeast neighbourhoods.”

PAS will employ approximately 50 longshore workers during vessel operations and as automobile processing reaches capacity, anticipates up to 150 new employees will be hired and trained.

The port expects that Pier 80 could receive approximately 96 ships per year, shipping approximately 150,000 vehicles. PAS could also handle breakbulk cargo or vessel lay berthing.

“This is an exciting day for our company, and our family,” said John Pasha, senior vice president of Pasha Automotive Services. “Not only are we returning to our roots in San Francisco, but we are transforming this underutilised pier to a facility requiring a maritime use to serve customers and create local jobs. As a company, we are committed to ensuring that maritime uses are supported, and that our country’s valuable waterfront assets receive the investment they need to serve commercial, not just recreational uses.”

PAS will handle US auto exports to Asia, as well as imports from Korea and Mexico. Imported vehicles will go to northern California dealerships, which John Pasha said would reduce the environmental footprint compared to cars being unloaded in Southern California and trucked north.

Willie Adams President of the San Francisco Port Commission welcomed the agreement with PAS, which he said “signifies a new beginning for cargo operations at the Port of San Francisco”. Though there is currently plenty of vacant space in Oakland, San Francisco still has further cargo related aspirations. “We want the world’s shipping community to know that the Port of San Francisco is open for business” Adams said.