Maritime Fun Fact: In 2017, the Port was designated as a Federal Staging Area (FSA) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Fall is finally here, bringing in crisp air and cooler tides, but no matter the season, the Port keeps safety and shipping operations on course.

In this month’s newsletter, I am thrilled to announce that our 2025 fiscal year-end results reflect consistent economic impact. Our cargo tonnage, tenants and new businesses are contributing factors to our fiscal growth. 

I hope you’ll join us at PortFest 2025 and Save the Bay on Saturday, Oct. 4. Enjoy a day filled with exciting activities to connect with nature and our maritime heritage. Our crowd-favorite concert series along the waterfront will also continue through the first week of November. 

Last, we’re recognizing National Preparedness Month by sharing how our Port stays emergency-ready year-round to protect our community. 

Continue reading to learn more about the Port’s fiscal health, activities and emergency preparedness.

Warm Regards,

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

The Port's Regional Economic Impact Continues to Grow

Fiscal year-end results have arrived for 2025, and the Port is cautiously optimistic about where it’s headed. The Port closed the year with $10.7 million in gross revenue, a 5% increase compared to 2024. 

This positive trajectory in revenue is largely due to the Port’s total cargo tonnage and maximizing the value of the Port's real estate assets. The Port's cargo tonnage has witnessed a 20% decrease from prior years, coming in at 1.5 million metric tons (MT), primarily due to market conditions, tariff uncertainty and slowing in the construction sector. This year, 65 cargo ships delivered essential materials like sand, cement and slag that build the foundation for resilient infrastructure in Silicon Valley. Monthly tonnage and vessel reports are published to share import and export data from our ships as they navigate through the channel. 

Tenant rentals and leases, including new businesses, also made significant contributions to our regional economic growth. Port tenants and businesses support our efforts to maintain a vibrant and community-centered waterfront space for all to enjoy. 

Several of our local, state and federal partnerships play a key role in our annual fiscal health as well. Their funding contributions help the Port adapt its services, operations and infrastructure to position it as a resilient and efficient global trade agency. 

Port Fall Events Bring our Community Together

Experience a Saturday that connects our maritime and regional communities together through immersive activities. The Port of Redwood City and Save the Bay have a lineup of festivities for all ages to enjoy on October 4.

PortFest 2025 is around the corner! Bring your family and friends to the waterfront to dive into maritime and nautical activities, delicious food and live music. The Port is looking for volunteers to help with event set up, activity supervision and event breakdown. Register online for your volunteer slot.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 4

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Location: 475 Seaport Court, Redwood City

Save the Bay is hosting its annual Bay Day event preceding PortFest. Embrace all the Bay has to offer by learning, restoring and exploring local habitats. 

Date: Saturday, Oct. 4

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Bedwell Bayfront Park, 1600 Marsh Road, Menlo Park

Rock the Dock, our free concert series, continues this month. Sing and dance at the Port with performances by local musicians.

Time: 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Location: 459 Seaport Court, Redwood City

Line up:

• Saturday, Oct. 4 (PortFest) – Wild Child
• Saturday, Oct. 11 – Dutch Uncle
• Saturday, Oct. 18 – Club 90

National Preparedness Month – A Ready Port

For several years, the Port has invested in projects, programs and initiatives to prepare for any emergency that impacts Northern California. Its strategic location as the only deep-water port in the South Bay Area and designation as a Federal Staging Area (FSA) underscore the Port’s essential role in regional emergency efforts. 

The Port has made valuable investments — from training and operations to systems and infrastructure — to equip its team with key safety and security resources, safeguarding the region. For instance, one of the Port’s cargo wharves can withstand earthquakes up to an 8.9 magnitude and sea level rise between 3 and 5 feet

The Port conducts annual full-scale emergency response and recovery drills with partnering agencies (i.e., local fire and police, San Mateo County, U.S. Coast Guard and more) to maximize its effectiveness in regional protection. Though disasters come in various forms, the Port continues to make strategic efforts to build its resilience for emergency response.