Oxnard, CA – The Port of Hueneme realized its highest international trade year in its 77 year history and its second highest year for domestic and international freight combined.

The benchmark year included a 30 percent increase in auto exports. The total tonnage for FY 2013-2014 came in at a strong 1,438,596 metric tons representing a less than 1 percent decrease from last year’s all-time high.

“This represents a continuing path to economic recovery keeping the Port at strong trade levels,” according to a statement issued by the port.

Strong growth in freight activity was seen in the Port’s niche markets of automobiles, high and heavy cargos, fresh produce, fertilizer, and domestic commodities. Automobile imports boasted a robust 7.1 percent increase over last fiscal year while exports exploded by 31 percent over 2013 scoring the second best year on record.

A large percentage of the export increase was driven by more foreign manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Acura operating from new facilities within the US and sending their US-manufactured vehicles to the Asian market. Hyundai/Kia leads the import arena with a strong 10 percent growth.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) is the leading shipper handling agricultural and heavy equipment cargo at the port, and provides shipping and technical processing for automobiles. The company also handles the bulk of the high and heavy cargo, as well as the transport and processing of automobiles.

On the fruit side of the Hueneme’s business portfolio banana imports remained strong at 655,589 metric tons. Other fresh fruits and vegetables handled by port customers grew by 1.6 percent.

Other customers of the port includes Yara North America Inc., who manages the liquid bulk fertilizer and Air1 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) through the port and across North America.

DEF is a high purity solution of urea in water, used to chemically reduce NOx emissions from trucks, buses and other units powered by diesel engines. Yara North America is the world’s largest producer and supplier of Air1 and the Port of Hueneme is a key supply point for the company’s western US customer base.

Volumes of ‘shallow draft’ cargo such as fish, lube oil, and vessel fuel were down marginally for the year, while the offshore domestic oil trade held steady.

The Port of Hueneme moves $8 billion in goods each year and consistently ranks among the top ten US ports for automobiles and fresh produce.

09/26/2014