Maritime Fun Fact: A large oceangoing ship normally travels at a speed of 23 knots which is equivalent to 26.5 miles per hour.
There have been recent stories about the supply chain impacts with some of our California ports. Did you know the Port of Redwood City serves as an international gateway for goods movement and connects the Silicon Valley region to global markets? Our Port is one of 11 cargo ports in California delivering essential supplies and materials from abroad.

The shipping industry is the most sustainable and economically friendly mode of transporting goods while also providing a significant decrease in air emissions. Since early settlement, ships have been the backbone of public commerce.

Our Port is a working waterfront with high-value infrastructure and job creation benefiting the region’s economy. This month we reflect on being thankful that our Port can deliver and serve the region.
Warm Regards,
Kristine A. Zortman
Executive Director, Port of Redwood City 

Benefits of water transport to support sustainability
The Port of Redwood City is an inter-modal port, delivering goods via water, rail and roads. Transporting bulk commodities by water has many positive advantages and indirect benefits. Goods movement equals a sustainable economy as well as delivers other intrinsic benefits for our local region. For example, one cargo ship can remove up to 2,800 truck trips from our region’s roadway system. Accounting for a reduction of truck diesel emissions with the wear and tear on our roads, bridges, overpasses, not to mention driver fatigue due to overly congested traffic, water cargo has some advantages.

Water transport changes trade patterns that can have a major economic impact on our local and regional development. It is the most cost-effective mode of transport to the consumer with an estimated 90% of the world's goods being transported via sea.
Dredging and recreation go hand-in-hand
By having an active cargo port, our recreational waterfront thrives. In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, keeping our federal cargo channel dredged provides our recreational boating and rowing community with an easily navigable channel.

The growing commitment to restoring and preserving our environment continues to be a priority in our business planning. Other major beneficiaries of developed waterway systems include:

  • Recreational activities
  • Flood control and resiliency
  • Public water supply and irrigation
  • Transportation (ferry systems)

Each one of these plays a role in how our region adapts to climate change and continues to improve our environmental stewardship. Head down to our waterfront to see how much there is to offer.
Redwood City public ferry terminal project steams ahead
Plans for developing a ferry terminal in Redwood City are moving forward. The Port Commission has long had a vision of introducing a ferry terminal at the Port, connecting the Peninsula to San Francisco and the East Bay while expanding the footprint of the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA).

The business plan is currently underway with anticipated completion in the first quarter of 2022. The business plan will outline community outreach, ridership forecasting, system governance, and a 10-year budget forecast and operational costs.

Additionally, with the expansion of WETA’s ferry system, the region will benefit from a more robust effort in the delivery of first responders and emergency resources during catastrophic events.