San Diego : Port City Vision

San Diego is a large port but it lacks a container terminal. The Port of Los Angeles and its strategic location retains all the shipping traffic from the Eastern and South Pacific. In many ways, that aspect has kept San Diego smaller. Although a tremendous economic engine, San Diego lacks a large commercial port. However, we also lack the multitude of problems that large container ports bring to a city and the environment.

Many many years ago, I remember a container crane being erected and unfortunately, that container crane sat dormant for many years until it was disassembled. I looked for the back story on that but was unable to locate one.

I have always asked myself: what would a container port look like if it was located in National City? San Diego made the attempt but it must have proved difficult to divert traffic from Los Angeles even if they are just over 25 nautical miles closer. That distance equates to decreased fuel cost and ultimately San Diego does not have the proper infrastructure (port and rail) established. Procuring those infrastructure elements would be at a great cost.

Regardless, I have always asked myself: what would a container port look like if it was located in National City? I’ve driven past the port so many times as a child and adult and professional. So, I ventured to at least answer that question. Maybe in time, when shipping traffic increases, especially with the rapid increase of industrial development in India, San Diego will find the justification to expand its port to be container ready.