Norwegian firm to build dry fertilizer terminal at Stockton port
Oslo, Norway-based fertilizer giant Yara Wednesday said it plans to invest $21 million in a new dry-bulk fertilizer storage facility at the inland California Port of Stockton.
Yara said construction would begin once permitting is attained, and is to be completed in the first quarter of 2009. The facility has a planned 80,000-ton capacity and will be located near an existing Yara liquid fertilizer facility at the Stockton port. The new terminal will feature a berth capable of handling ships pulling 34 feet of draft, allowing for single shipments of 30,000 tons of dry fertilizer.
“There are a few ports on the West Coast that can efficiently handle dry bulk fertilizer. Stockton is ideal as a centrally located, inland port in one of the most important agricultural areas in North America,” said Pete Valesares, Yara North America president.
Located about 75 miles east of the Golden Gate Bridge opening to the Pacific Ocean, the Stockton port is a major transit point for fertilizer products headed to the massive California Delta and Central Valley agricultural areas. Extensive rail connection tie the Stockton port into neighboring agricultural areas within the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and southern Arizona.
Yara said it expects the new facility and its sea, rail and truck access will save the firm $2 million per year from increased operational efficiencies and savings in ocean freight and bagging costs.
