PORT HUENEME : Cold-Storage Shed May Be Built for Firm

The Port of Hueneme is close to an agreement with Del Monte Foods to build a $3-million cold-storage shed for the fruit importer, which has shipped bananas through the harbor since 1979, harbor officials announced Thursday.

In exchange, Del Monte has agreed to guarantee the Oxnard Port District at least $600,000 in tariffs annually, according to an agreement to be reviewed Monday by port commissioners, who oversee harbor operations.

“Bananas are a good, stable product for us, and this is an effort to supply a long-term customer with what they need,” said Anthony Taormina, the port’s executive director.

Del Monte imports 5 million cartons of bananas through Port Hueneme in a typical year, said Del Monte operations manager Kevin Lee, who described the proposed agreement as a good deal for both parties.

“The refrigerated shed will be a good way to store our product and make way for new products,” Lee said. Del Monte has imported melons and pineapples through Port Hueneme before, and the new warehouse will allow more shipments, he said.

Once approved, Port Hueneme will be the last of five U. S. ports used by Del Monte to construct refrigerated facilities for the fruit company.

Taormina said the port district will use available funds from its capital account to finance construction of the 30,000-square-foot transit shed.