Funds OKd for Largest U.S. Container Wharf

The Harbor Board awarded a $65-million contract Monday to construct the nation’s largest container wharf on Terminal Island’s Pier 300.

Seattle-based General-Kiewit will build the 226-acre terminal and 28 acres of rail facilities at Berths 302 to 305.

The new wharf, expected to be completed in January, 1997, will house the operations of Eagle Marine Services Ltd., a subsidiary of American President Lines.

The port estimates that nearly 700 direct and indirect jobs will be created during construction.

Port spokeswoman Barbara Yamamoto said American President Lines has signed a 30-year lease, agreeing to return $21 million to $25 million a year to the port.

She said the company’s expanded cargo handling is expected to generate more than 10,500 jobs with $335 million in wages and annual industry sales of $1 billion.

American President Lines is the leading U.S. container line, providing transportation to North America, Asia and the Middle East.