Maritime Fun Fact: More than 55,000 merchant ships — tankers, passenger ships, container ships, fishing vessels, bulk carriers and general cargo ships — regularly travel the seas to transport approximately 90% of the world’s commodities. 

Happy New Year to all! As we bid farewell to 2024, let’s take a moment to celebrate some of the highlights that made it such a memorable year at the Port. From a dazzling drone show lighting up the night sky, dynamic music on the water every Saturday in the summer, to the lively energy of PortFest on our waterfront, we connected with the community in meaningful ways. We also secured multiple federal grants, which will enhance local projects and optimize Port operations to strengthen our regional economy. Now, in 2025, we’re ready to set sail toward new adventures to maintain our standing as a leading West Coast foreign trade agency.  

To kick off the new year, we’re diving a little deeper into the role of dredging to emphasize its impact on consumer costs. Dredging is critical to clearing the shipping channel for our vessels to exchange goods worldwide. In the absence of dredging, the shipping channel gets blocked, creating a more extensive and delayed journey for vessels. The ripple effect? Higher consumer prices to offset those delays.

But trade isn’t the only thing happening on our waters and benefiting from dredging. The Redwood Creek Channel is also a playground for the community. Whether you’re kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, or just soaking in the scenic views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As you embark on your water adventures, we kindly remind all water recreational users to brush up on safety guidelines. Practicing water safety protects not just you, but also your neighbors sharing the channel.

Safety is a top priority at the Port and we appreciate all of the diligent work from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and Flotilla 0406, who assist in the safety and security of our water recreational users and vessels. 

Warm Regards,

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

Dredging, protecting our vessels and economy

Vessels sail through the Pacific Ocean and pass under iconic bridges to import and export precious cargo, fueling Redwood City’s economy and building its vibrant landscape. It’s a well-oiled operation — until built up sediment and debris decide to drop their anchor in the shipping channel. 

Think of dredging as a maritime tune up. This essential process maintains and improves the width, depth and length of the shipping channel, ensuring vessels can glide smoothly and efficiently to transport cargo around the globe.

A shallow channel can throw a wrench into vessel schedules, disrupting the flow of vessel movement and adding more time to deliver and receive cargo. Not only does this extend a vessel’s journey to ship cargo but it also affects the community through increased shipping costs offset by the delay. Every foot loss of channel depth equals a loss of 5,000 metric tons of cargo. 

Thankfully, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has it covered. Their tireless work keeps the Redwood shipping channel in tip-top shape, preserving the Port’s role as a global trade hub and helping keep shipping costs manageable for businesses and consumers. So next time you see a mighty cargo ship in the harbor, remember that smooth sailing doesn’t just happen — it’s made possible by the dedicated work of dredging crews, ensuring Redwood City stays seamlessly connected to the world.

Diving into winter water safety 

Though the air is crisp and chilly, that doesn’t mean the Redwood Creek Channel is off-limits. Whether you’re kayaking, stand-up paddling, canoeing, sailing or boating, the salty channel waters are calling. So, grab your gear and get ready to embrace the beauty of the channel. 



Before you set sail, let’s make sure your voyage is not just fun but safe for you and everyone else enjoying the water. We’ve gathered a handy checklist of safety tips to keep your Redwood Channel adventures smooth and worry-free: 

• Assess the fit of your life jacket: Before sailing the waters, check the buckles, padding and overall fit of your flotation device. 
• Inspect equipment for damage: Confirm your paddles and oars are free of cracks and broken pieces. 
• Maintain your water vessels: Perform routine tune-ups if you’re using an electric or fuel-powered vessel. 
• Check the weather: Always check the weather and tides before making a splash.
• Bring extra lights: Ensure you have lights readily available on your vessel as sunset hits.  
• Dress warm: Layer on clothing that can be easily swapped on and off as temperatures change. 

More information about water safety while enjoying the Redwood Channel is available in the Port’s waterfront user safety guidelines.  

Patrolling the waters for safety and security

For decades, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCG Auxiliary) — once known as the Coast Guard Reserve — has been a cornerstone of maritime safety. As the nation’s largest volunteer marine safety organization, they’ve dedicated themselves to safeguarding coastal communities, ports, waterways and the maritime industry as a whole.

The formation of the USCG Auxiliary brought together passionate boat owners who established flotillas — fleets of ships and boats — within Coast Guard Districts nationwide. One such standout is Flotilla 0406, created during the Eisenhower administration. Nestled in the historic harbormaster’s tower overlooking the Redwood City Marina, this flotilla has become a vital resource for maritime safety and security. They perform many activities, including marine patrols, vessel safety checks, navigation verification and more. 

Their service ensures the Redwood community and helmsmen experience smooth sailing through the only deepwater port in the South San Francisco Bay. Flotilla 0406 has four core responsibilities: 

• Surface operations: Routine patrols for safety and aid-to-navigation in the Bay. 
• Boating safety: Educate the public and other Auxiliary members on boating skills and seamanship, sailing fundamentals and coastal navigation. 
• Environmental protection: Support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in managing the Bay. 
• Coast Guard mission support: Serve in operational and administrative programs with regular and reserve Coast Guard members. 

The collective effort between the USCG Auxiliary and Flotilla 0406 ensures our waterways are safe, efficient and sustainable while making a splash. The USCG Auxiliary is always looking for passionate individuals to join their ranks and contribute to protecting our local port community. Explore the eligibility requirements if you’re interested.