Maritime Fun Fact: The Port has five wharves that support the movement of cargo entering and exiting the Redwood Channel.

With crisp air and bustling docks, October at the Port showcases our commitment to commerce, our community and our efforts to preserve our waterways for all.

We’re kicking off this month’s newsletter with a step-by-step overview of how slag, an essential infrastructure material, is created.

With the fall season in full swing at the Port, we’re highlighting events ranging from youth science camps to exhilarating water activities. Don’t miss your chance to take part this season!

Finally, we’ll share details about our Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) Program, a program created to safeguard our waterways together.

Continue reading to learn more, and keep up with the Port every day by following us on our social channels.

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Warm Regards,

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

From Scrap Metal to Slag: Steps Supporting our Roadways, Bridges and More

You may not have heard of slag before, but it’s an essential component of Redwood City’s infrastructure, providing regional benefits every day. Slag is a combination of mixed metals that go from molten liquid to solid formations for construction use. Slag maintains the longevity of local roadways, like State Route 84, Highway 101 and bridges, like the San Mateo Bridge. As a bonus, operations at the Port to import and export slag contribute to a growing economy.

Local Port tenants — SIMS Metal, a metal recycling company, and CEMEX, a global building materials company — play a key role in the development of slag. Here is a quick review of the slag process.

1. Old materials, such as appliances and cars, are gathered by scrap metal specialists
2. These specialists crush materials into scrap metal
3. Scrap metal is exported across the Pacific Ocean for processing
4. Specialized plants turn scrap metal into slag (small metal pellets)
5. The pellets are imported back to the Port
6. Slag is used in concrete mixtures to strengthen infrastructure

Autumn Activity Around the Port

There is a wave of activities available over the next few weeks for all ages at the Port. From sailing to science camp, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the fall season at our waterfront.

Rock the Dock

Have you attended a performance yet at this year’s Rock the Dock free concert series? Don’t miss your chance – we’re closing the series with two bands that are guaranteed to get you on your feet and dancing.

Line up:

• Saturday, Oct. 25 – Livewire
• Saturday, Nov. 1 – Momotombo SF

Time: 3:30-6 p.m.

Location: 459 Seaport Court, Redwood City

We hope to see you at the final performances! Rock the Dock will return in Spring 2026.

Marine Science Camp

Next month, discover the nautical wonder of the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay habitats with the Marine Science Institute. At the marine science camp, young marine explorers will spend time using scientific research tools and hands-on activities to discover local wetlands, oceanic habitats and marine ecosystems.

Date: Monday, Nov. 24 – Wednesday, Nov. 26

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Attendees: Grades K-5 

Parents will need to pack snacks, lunch and water to keep their young marine explorers energized throughout camp.

Aquatic Adventures

If you’re looking to make a splash in the Redwood Channel, check out the array of water events and classes offered by Port waterfront tenants. All skill levels are welcome! It’s a great way to boost your weekly physical activity and build community relationships.

• Redwood Water Sports hosts different events like paddle board mixers, races, demos and more to get you in the water and enjoying nature
• Spinnaker Sailing provides sailing classes designed to help students achieve certifications with the American Sailing Association (ASA)

Protecting our Waterways with the Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange Program

The Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) program offers public boat owners a free alternative for disposing of their vessels, minimizing environmental and navigation impacts on the shared ocean. It’s an opportunity for the boating community to take charge of keeping our waterways safe.

SAVE is designed to remove, store and dispose of abandoned, wrecked or dismantled recreational vessels. The program demonstrates the Port’s efforts to protect regional waterways from hazards and environmental degradation. In 2016, the SAVE program became available to public agencies with jurisdiction over California waterways.

A grant administered by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) reimburses public agencies participating in the program. The Port has received approximately $174,000 in grant funding since 2020 for its efforts to eliminate abandoned vessels and safeguard local waterways.