Maritime Fun Fact: Historically, black cats were known to bring good luck to a vessel and those operating the vessel.

When the leaves change color and the air gets crisp, it’s a wonderful time to visit the beautiful waterfront. Our waterfront is a space for our community to enjoy the outdoors and watch Port operations in action. As you visit the waterfront, out in the distance you might see vessels traveling in and out of the Bay and may wonder how they are able to safely maneuver throughout the Port. Thanks to the process of dredging, these vessels can more easily import and export goods, further strengthening our economy. Dredging typically occurs between the months of June and November depending on ecological and environmental conditions.

I also want to share my appreciation for those who were able to join us at our annual PortFest this year. While it was during the heart of a heat wave, we hope your friends and family enjoyed our waterfront, learning about our maritime industry. 

Lastly, the Port of Redwood City will be receiving another Award of Excellence at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Annual Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, later this month for our Lunch & Learn Program Series. The program seeks to create advocates for our Port by educating civic and community leaders about the Port’s contributions to the economy and community.

Warm Regards,

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

It's Dredging Time!

Dredging is an essential process for the Port of Redwood City because it maintains and improves the width, depth and length of the shipping channel so the Port can continue receiving large vessels that require excess water depth to safely function.



The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dredges the channel and invests their resources to determine how deep the waterways must be to allow large vessels to dock at the Port. The monies appropriated to the USACE to dredge our channel are derived from the Harbor Maintenance Tax Fund (HMTF) which is an assessment charged to shippers. These appropriations are not derived from tax payers. During dredging, portions of sediment – called silt – are scooped out from the creek bed that has been washed downstream, impacting and decreasing the depth of the channel. 

The many benefits to dredging include ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient movement of cargo to and from the Port, which ultimately contributes to the economy of the broader Silicon Valley region. 

PortFest 2024

Another spectacular PortFest is in the books. Thank you to everyone who brought friends and families to celebrate PortFest 2024 on the Bay. The day was filled with many opportunities for the community to learn about and participate in maritime activities that underscore the Port’s value to the broader Silicon Valley region. 

A special thank you to the PortFest sponsors whose contributions create a memorable event for residents and visitors. Your continual support allows our community to come together each year and celebrate on our waterfront. 



Stay tuned for more information about PortFest 2025. 

Rock the Dock

No need to get spooked. Even though summer is over, we’ll still be hosting the Rock the Dock concert series. Get your boogie shoes on because this month we have a lineup that will keep you jamming all night long. You have the chance to invite your friends and family for music and dancing each weekend of October. Concerts will be from 3:30-6 p.m. Check out the artists coming to 459 Seaport Court:

• Oct. 19: Rock and Dance from Cocktail Monkeys
• Oct. 26: Pop, Soul, Funk and R&B from Masterpiece

Port awarded by AAPA for Lunch & Learn Program Series 

The Port of Redwood City will be honored at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Annual Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, later this month for its educational Lunch & Learn Program Series. The Public Relations/Communications Award of Excellence in Community/Educational Outreach is recognition for the Port’s commitment to advancing innovation and excellence in the port industry.

The Port partnered with Seaport Industrial Association (SIA), Graniterock and Cemex to develop the Lunch & Learn Program Series that educates civic and community leaders on the innerworkings of the Port and how the agency produces immense contributions to the region. The program provides an opportunity to network with maritime experts and stakeholders to grasp the environmental and economic benefits of the Port. 

The AAPA is an international organization empowering more than 130 ports and maritime industry partners to serve global customers and create economic and social value for their communities. The AAPA is a key advocacy and outreach partner for port authorities.