Did you know that in 1917, the world’s first cement-hulled ocean-going vessel, ‘Faith,’ was built at the Port?

It’s April and Earth Day is upon us! At the Port of Redwood City, we celebrate our planet 365 days a year and promote sustainable practices. 

As a collective, whether it’s through disposing waste in the appropriate bins on the waterfront, learning about our local marine species or implementing sustainable maritime initiatives, we all have a vital role when it comes to caring and cleaning our planet for now and generations to come. For several years, the Port has been a loyal partner of the largest voluntary environmental certification program for North America’s maritime industry, a Green Marine participant. Within the program, the Port must consistently report performance indicators that include greenhouse gases and air pollutants, spill prevention, stormwater management and community impacts. 

Various sustainable practices including water quality, energy savings, use of recycled water and reuse of dredged materials is a great representation of our role in maintaining Earth’s vitality. 

Visit the Earth Day website to see how others are celebrating this important day across the globe. 

While celebrating Mother Earth this month, in Currents you’ll also learn about the circle of slag’s significance to Port operations and receive a reminder about our exciting free Star Wars Drone Show on Saturday, May 4 from 6-9 p.m.

Kristine A. Zortman

Executive Director

The Circle of Slag 

Let’s begin with the basics. Slag is an important component of the roads we drive on and the bridges we cross. The Port of Redwood City plays a key role in the process of slag, and it begins with your used cars, appliances and other recyclable metal products. 

Whether it’s an old car not fit for road conditions, washer, dryer or other similar appliances, the pieces are recycled into scrap metal. Businesses that specialize in scrap metal, like SIMS Metal at the Port of Redwood City, begin crushing old appliances and cars to transform them into scrap metal that is then exported for processing. 

All of the scrap metal is shipped overseas for processing and then highly specialized plants across the Pacific Ocean turn the scrap metal into slag – small pellets of metal used in construction.

Construction aggregates, like slag, are imported by companies, such as CEMEX at the Port of Redwood City, where we specialize in bringing bulk cargo and construction materials. The slag is used to strengthen concrete and often used to add structural longevity to roads and bridges. 

Drones, live music, food and fun on the waterfront

On Saturday, May 4 from 6-9 p.m. at 459 Seaport Court, the Port is hosting our second annual free drone show with Star Wars themed magic.

We will kick-off the event with a performance by CASH’D OUT and a visit from Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and stormtroopers. Delicious food and beverages vendors, other Star Wars related activities and a magical lit Port sky will follow; it's a great kick-off to the summer! 

A reminder that the first 200 kids to arrive will receive a free light saber and can participate in light saber training. 

• 6 p.m. – Light saber giveaway (with training), meet and greet with Star Wars characters and enjoy available food and beverages including Devil's Canyon Brewery
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. – CASH’D OUT performances
• 8:30 p.m. – Drone show 

We encourage attendees to bring a low back chair or blanket to get the best view of the lit Port sky. To see the full calendar of events, click below.

Come to the weekly Rock the Dock free concert series at the Port! Every Saturday, now through November, a variety of musicians will perform for community members to dance the sunset hours away. Bring friends and family to join the fun and even enjoy tasty food from our local vendors during the concert. 

Below is a list of concert times: 



• April 6 to June 15 – Concerts will be from 3:30-6 p.m.
• June 22 to August 24 – Concerts will be from 4:30-7 p.m. 
• September 7 to November 2 – Concerts will be from 3:30-6 p.m. 
• November 9 to November 23 – Concerts will be from 2:30-5 p.m. 

Earth Day on the Bay

Not sure how to celebrate Mother Earth this year? Don’t worry, Marine Science Institute (MSI) has a variety of activities for the community to show their appreciation for Mother Earth. 

On Saturday, April 20 head over to MSI at 500 Discovery Parkway, Redwood City to take adventures on land and at sea. Community members can register for the following Earth Day activities to enhance their maritime and marine life expertise:  

• Discovery EcoVoyage: Come aboard the Robert G Brownlee research vessel to immerse yourself in the marine life that exists beneath the waves and learn how plankton is the foundation that keeps the ecosystem thriving. Join the two-hour adventure during 10 a.m. to noon, 1-3 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. 

• Shoreside Discovery and BioBlitz: Enhance your knowledge of scientific discovery by using the iNaturalist database to discovery and document a realm of Bay species. The use of the database will enrich scientific knowledge and policymaking across the entire world. Join the two-hour adventure during 10 a.m. to noon, 1-3 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. 

A special lunch from noon to 1 p.m. filled with music and dancing will boost excitement for Earth Day at the Bay! Pack a picnic lunch and then get the opportunity to explore the aquarium with fascinating creatures like the baby leopard shark, flatfish and more.