Lease Agreements: Hueneme, Los Angeles, Wilmington

The ports of Hueneme and Los Angeles have each renewed their long-term lease agreements with Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics. Likewise, Dole Food Company has agreed to remain at the Port of Wilmington (DE) for another 15 years.

Hueneme, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Extend Lease Agreement

The Port of Hueneme and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) have agreed to extend the WWL’s lease agreement with the port for an additional five years, through December 31, 2018. The deal is the fifth modification of a contract first signed in 1991.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen ships began calling at the Port of Hueneme in 1987. Four years thereafter, WWL established Pacific Ro-Ro Stevedoring (Pac-Ro) to handle autos arriving at the port and Pacific Vehicle Processors (PVP) as part of a further expansion of the company’s logistics capabilities. 

"WWL is pleased to continue its longstanding relationship with the port," said Len Mazzella, vice president of West Coast terminal operations for Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Americas. "The Port of Hueneme represents a special part of our history as the first of WWL's global hub ports offering ocean transportation, marine terminal and vehicle processing services. Together we have achieved remarkable growth, ultimately leading to success for the greater port community and in meeting the needs of the customers we are privileged to serve."

"Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics is a vital long-term community partner and a significant economic engine," said Harbor Board President Jason Hodge. "Between the business it brings to the port, revenue contribution and local area workforce employment, WWL is a significant contributor to the port’s surrounding communities."

WWL Vehicle Services Americas Renews Port of Los Angeles Lease

The Port of Los Angeles has renewed its long-term lease with WWL Vehicle Services Americas, Inc. WWL VSA, a subsidiary of global shipping and logistics company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), operates a 91-acre automotive processing terminal at the port. 

The 10-year agreement provides for a five-year extension, an option that would allow WWL Vehicle Services Americas to operate the auto terminal through January 1, 2027. The facility processes approximately 200,000 vehicles annually.  

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the new lease in November.  

The WWL terminal specializes in receiving new cars shipped from overseas and preparing them for distribution and sale throughout the United States. Located at Berths 195-200A, the terminal also exports restored and vintage cars. 

During peak operations, the terminal employs 250 union workers over three shifts, nearly 60 percent of whom are local residents. 

"WWL Vehicle Services Americas is pleased to extend its presence at the Port of Los Angeles," said John Felitto, president and CEO of WWL Vehicle Services Americas. "The vehicle processing facility we’ve developed at the port plays an important role in WWL’s network, and is a key location and processing center for auto manufacturers serving the western United States."

Wilmington/Dole 15-Year Lease Agreement

Dole Food Company will continue to do business at the Port of Wilmington for the next 15 years pursuant to a lease agreement signed December 10 by the company and the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC).

Dole is the port’s largest customer, importing bananas, pineapples and other fruit and exporting forest products and general cargo, and supporting 850 "family-sustaining jobs."

The port corporation is the Delaware state agency that owns and operates the port.

"We have been at the Port of Wilmington for more than 30 years and this agreement with the Diamond State Port Corporation reaffirms our commitment to the people of Delaware, the longshoremen, our employees, vendors and customers," said Stuart Jablon, vice president and general manager of operations for Dole Fresh Fruit. "Dole was the first containerized banana company importing here. We are confident that this decision will help maintain Dole's position as a top brand in the very competitive North American fruit market, and we look forward to enjoying a long and mutually supportive relationship with the port for many years to come."

Dole’s leasehold encompasses 37.7 acres/15.26 hectares of terminal land and about 100,000 square feet/9,290 square meters of warehouse and office space. The company’s ships call Wilmington approximately 52 times a year. The lease and its two extension option periods, each 10 years long, will enable Dole Fresh Fruit Company, a Dole subsidiary, to continue its terminal operations at the Port of Wilmington through 2048.

This lease includes terms governing Dole’s usage of the port and commitments by the DSPC such as increasing the number of cranes and other upgrades to the Dole leasehold. 

"The appropriation of the funding necessary to make these improvements is the result of a joint effort between the Markell administration, state legislators and the port board," said Alan Levin, port corporation chairman and director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. "Dole’s shipments are of great value to the port. The DSPC is excited at the prospect of continuing this outstanding relationship well into the future." 

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