REDWOOD CITY, CALIF.—
The Port of Redwood City (Port) announced today that Fiscal Year 2017-18 was its best year in history, generating $8.6 million in revenue and over 2.3 million metric tons of cargo moving across the Port docks, a 49% percent increase in cargo over the prior year. Additionally, the Port had 65 vessel calls, 53 barge calls and hosted 202 passengers. The last record breaking year was in 2005, which generated 1.9 million metric tons of cargo. The Port’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.
“It is an exciting time at the Port of Redwood City with our strong cargo and revenue results providing a solid foundation for continued growth in maritime trade,” said Lorianna Kastrop, Port Commission chai
r
.
“We take great pride in serving Silicon Valley through economic development activities. Maritime trade allows us to support the local Redwood City community through an annual payment (or subvention) to support City services and activate recreational waterfront uses.”
Strong annual results provide a deeper look into the Port’s significance to regional economic growth, with continued focus on construction materials to the area, and exports of scrap metal abroad.
The top ranking materials imported included sand, gypsum and aggregates, with scrap metal as the primary export. One cargo ship can displace 2500 truck trips reducing congestion on the region’s already crowded roads and highways.
Several other major initiatives are underway to support Port operations and provide the potential to ease regional traffic congestion. The City of Redwood City and the Port are working with the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) to assess the feasibility of ferry service between Redwood City and San Francisco and the East Bay. Recently, the City and the Port issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to conduct a ferry feasibility study and cost benefit analysis. Port and City officials anticipate selecting a consultant to conduct the feasibility study later this fall.
Also later this fall the Port is undergoing a dredging project to maintain and improve the width, depth and length of ship berths. This infrastructure investment will allow the Port to better support existing customers and grow operations serving larger cargo vessels in the future.
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