Officials from the Port of Oakland and the US Army Corps of Engineers have signed an agreement to widen and modernise waterways to accommodate larger cargo vessels.
The design pact marks the initial stage of a $640 million infrastructure project intended to maintain maritime trade capacity, the port noted.
Cargo ships entering the port frequently reach 1,300 feet (396 metres) in length and must navigate an estuary that currently offers 150 feet (46 metres) of clearance on either side.
Congresswoman Lateefah Simon described the widening initiative as "a prime model of local, state, and federal governments coming together to drive innovation and economic growth".
Having commenced around 2020, harbor widening works are expected to reach completion in 2030, according to port project schedules.
Sediment dredged during the excavation will be transported for beneficial reuse at the Montezuma Wetlands restoration project in Solano County.
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners certified the final environmental impact report and approved the project in July 2025.