Maritime Fun Fact: Over half a trillion dollars are generated every year in freight rates by operating commercial vessels.

As we move through the heat of summer, the Port is busy with activity from crane barges installing our Living Shoreline project, to our federal partners dredging operations of our channel, accompanied by all of the summer youth sailing activities and our daily cargo operations, the Port is alive and prospering. 

We are in the final stages of the future ferry terminal environmental process, anticipating the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Report this September. The ferry terminal project is a dedicated partnership between the Port, SF Bay Ferry, and the City of Redwood City. The project will bring long awaited ferry service to our region for commuters and water based shuttling to events in the City; it will also serve a key role in the Port’s emergency preparedness as a designated federal staging area during catastrophic events. 

We’re spotlighting the future of the maritime industry, our spectacular recent community events and how the Port is staying ready for emergencies in this edition of Currents.

Keep reading to learn more about:

• Career paths in the maritime industry
• A 4th of July firework show recap and Rock the Dock sneak peak
• How our federal staging area operates to support regional emergency preparedness

ICYMI: I had the opportunity to speak at the recent Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee meeting regarding AB-2051, a bill to streamline the permitting process for coastal resilience and sea-level rise adaptation projects. On behalf of the Port, we want to thank Assemblymember Wicks for proposing AB-2051 and Senator Becker for his support. Learn more about AB-2051.

Warm Regards,

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

Set Sail with a Maritime Career

More than 80% of global goods travel by sea, making the maritime industry one of the most essential career fields for the global economy. The Port sits at the center of this network, importing and exporting essential goods across 120 acres of industrial land directly fueling the broader peninsula and Silicon Valley region’s economy and beyond. Like other ports, maritime professionals at the Port are the driving force behind the goods that local, regional and national communities depend on daily.

Let’s explore a few maritime career paths that reflect an industry offering high-wage, high-impact opportunities with long-term demand.

• Ship Captain: Responsible for safely and efficiently navigating vessels across oceans while also managing cargo operations and crews on board to ensure goods reach communities.
• Marine Engineer: Operates the mechanics of vessels and electrical infrastructure that help vessels travel smoothly over international waters.
• Port Operations Manager: Oversees several functions of a port, including cargo movements on port properties and coordinating vessel arrivals, logistics and terminal operations to keep vessels on schedule and en route. 
• Maritime Logistics Coordinator: Responsible for managing the supply chain connecting international shipping routes to regional distribution networks so cargo is arriving at its destination on time and on budget.
• Environmental and Compliance Specialist: Monitors maritime operations to ensure it meets evolving environmental regulations on a local, state and federal level while shifting the industry to decarbonization.

The Port is committed to creating a skilled network of maritime professionals because as the industry evolves, so do its needs and expertise. Through partnerships, local education programs and workforce development initiatives, the Port is ready to train the maritime workforce next generation to fuel a prosperous trading system and economy.

Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, Sneak Peak of the Rock the Dock Line Up

A Fireworks Show to Remember

Earlier this month, the Port had the opportunity to bring back a community favorite – the spectacular fireworks show. The vibrant display lit up the sky over the waterfront, offering residents across the community and surrounding areas a memorable red, white and blue celebration. The Port appreciates all who showed up, whether you viewed them at the Port or in the comfort of your backyard.

Sponsoring the 4^th of July fireworks is a direct reflection of the Port’s ongoing commitment to invest in community experiences that bring people together and strengthen the connection between the waterfront and the region it serves.

Upcoming Rock the Dock Performances

We’re halfway through summer but Rock the Dock isn’t over just yet. Grab your boogie shoes, a dance partner and bring them along to a lively evening of good music and vibes along the waterfront. Don’t forget to check out local food vendors when you need a bite to fuel your body.

Performances are from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at 459 Seaport Court, Redwood City. Upcoming band features include:

• August 1 – Adam Aldama
• August 8 – Patron
• August 15 – Club 90
• August 22 – Sona

Don’t forget to pack a lawn chair, blanket and jacket to stay warm and comfy during the performances.

Learn About Emergency Response

Imagine an emergency strikes the Bay Area, making local roads, bridges and airports inaccessible. It’s the Port’s responsibility to step in as the only deep-water port in the south Bay Area and a designated Federal Staging Area (FSA) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This means the Port’s resources will be utilized and deployed to move first responders, community members and critical supplies overseas when other transportation methods aren’t available.

To ensure the Port is prepared to support the region during an array of emergency situations, it conducts full-scale interagency emergency response and recovery drills. These drills are a critical component to dependable and successful emergency response tactics, allowing the Port to identify areas for improvement.

These exercises include partner agencies like:

• Redwood City Fire, Police, and Public Works Departments
• San Mateo County
• U.S. Coast Guard
• Cal OES
• Caltrans
• FEMA

It’s a role the Port takes seriously to ensure quality investments are made toward resources that safeguard the region.