Port of Stockton: North America's Furthest Inland Pacific Port

Port of Stockton: North America's Furthest Inland Pacific Port

Located in California's Central Valley, the Port of Stockton holds the distinction of being the most inland deepwater port on the West Coast of the Americas—approximately 75 nautical miles (86 statute miles / 139 km) from the Pacific Ocean via the San Joaquin River and Stockton Deepwater Shipping Channel.

How It Works: Engineering an Inland Seaport

• San Joaquin River: Natural waterway extended 43 miles inland from Suisun Bay
• Stockton Deepwater Channel: 37-foot deep, 200-foot wide dredged channel completed 1933
• Turning basin: Allows large vessels to maneuver at the port
• Constant maintenance: Annual dredging maintains depth against siltation

Strategic Advantages

Major Cargoes

• Agricultural exports: Almonds, walnuts, rice, wheat, hay, cotton, citrus
• Imports: Fertilizer, cement, steel, wind energy components, project cargo
• Bulk liquids: Petroleum products, molasses, vegetable oils
• Automobiles: Roll-on/roll-off for vehicle imports

Economic Impact

The port generates $2.3+ billion annually in economic activity and supports ~4,500 jobs. It's a designated Foreign Trade Zone (#7), offering customs advantages for international trade.

Environmental Leadership

First West Coast port with shore power (cold ironing) for ships at berth, reducing diesel emissions. Active in Delta ecosystem restoration and air quality improvement programs.