“Occupy Oakland” movement shuts down port

Maritime operations are still effectively shut down at the Port of Oakland following an evening of disruptive demonstrations associated with the national “Occupy Wall Street” movement.

According to port spokesmen, operations will not resume until “it is safe and secure to do so.”

“Safety, security, respect and dignity for everyone remain of paramount importance,” said Omar R. Benjamin, the port’s executive director.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which had earlier voiced support the action, has not been actively demonstrating. However, organized dockworkers and independent owner-operators of drayage vehicles have been stymied by the demonstration.

The event’s impact on shippers remains to measured, as mid-week night container moves are generally slack. But if the “Occupy Oakland” movement’s call for a general strike at the port persists, there is speculation that inbound vessels may diverted to other West Coast ocean cargo gateways.