Maritime Fun Fact: The Port of Redwood City is 25 miles from the entrance of the San Francisco Bay.

The Port of Redwood City is grateful for its maritime and community partners. As one of California’s 11 cargo ports, we ensure the delivery and movement of essential supplies and materials. If you’re looking to do something with visiting family and friends, consider visiting the Port of Redwood City’s waterfront to watch vessels dock and load/unload as part of international trade taking place locally. It’s truly a spectacular operation, and we are thankful for all involved in the process. 

In this edition of Currents, we explore factors of a ship’s journey as they navigate to its destination. We also are thrilled to share an exciting announcement about a new commercial fishing tenant – just in time for the holiday season. With the year-end rapidly approaching, we look forward to continuing our initiatives in the new year. 

A ship's journey to the Port

Most vessels that visit the Port of Redwood City have traveled thousands of miles to reach our local Port. Once in the Bay Area, vessels must travel under the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and San Mateo Bridge. Each segment of a ship’s journey presents different situations and considerations for its crew. Let’s explore some of the factors that a ship’s captain evaluates along its journey. 

• Tide: Tidal fluctuations and currents affect a ship navigating to harbors. A high tide raises the water level closer to shore and enables ships to dock safer and easier. 
• Wind: Vessels vary in size and design. Windage area is a factor that captains must evaluate while navigating since a ship's hull and design can react differently to wind force. 
• Height clearance: In conjunction with tidal factors, ships must travel under bridges with appropriate height clearance. Local San Francisco Bay bridges offer clearance heights between 135’ to 220’. 
• Channel depth: The depth of the channel allows the vessel to enter and exit between operations. The Port has an authorized channel depth of 30’. 
• Wharf lengths: To dock properly, a wharf needs to be sized appropriately for the docking vessels. At the Port of Redwood City, we can accommodate varied berth lengths between 500’ to 1,400’. 



Learn more about the tonnage and vessels that visit our Port. 

Thank you for joining for the Rock the Dock Concert Series

This fall, the Port of Redwood City hosted the Rock the Dock fall concert series featuring 12 free shows for the community’s entertainment. Thank you to the talented musicians and enthusiastic community that joined us at our waterfront. To celebrate and relive the concert series, we’re sharing several of our favorite photos from the event. 

The concert series will make a comeback in spring 2023. Be sure to follow us for upcoming announcements.

Coming soon: New commercial fishing tenant selling fresh catches

The Port is excited to announce a new commercial fishing tenant will soon be selling fresh fish on our shores. Sean Cross and his vessel, Smeagol, plan to dock and sell various local fish on weekends. As a local Bay Area member of the fishing community, Sean has over 35 years of commercial fishing experience. His team focuses on catching sablefish, rockfish, salmon, Dungeness crab, Coonstripe shrimp and halibut. 

Stay tuned for information about the Smeagol and updates on its public fish sales by following the Port on social media.  

Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project

Have you heard about the Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project? The Port of Redwood City along with the City of Redwood City and Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) are collaborating to bring ferry service to the south San Francisco Bay. The potential service would provide commuter and recreation transportation to San Francsico or Oakland without having to worry about traffic delays or finding and paying for parking. 



Looking ahead to 2023, the Port and our partners will be doing more community outreach as we commence the environmental permitting process. Read more about the Ferry Terminal Project by visiting our webpage.