Port of Redwood City: A Comprehensive Guide

The Port of Redwood City is a busy hub of activity in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. Located on the southern shore of the bay, it's a crucial gateway for international trade and commerce.

This port has been in operation since 1911, making it a long-standing player in the region's economy. Its strategic location allows for easy access to major highways, railroads, and shipping lanes.

The port's container terminal is a major draw, with over 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled annually. This makes it one of the busiest container terminals in the Bay Area.

The Port of Redwood City has a rich history that dates back to 1850 when Robert O. Tripp and Mathias A. Parkhurst began the first lumber operation using the waterways of Redwood Creek to float coast redwoods from Woodside to San Francisco.

The Port was initially called El Embarcadero, and it wasn't until the early 20th century that it was officially renamed the Redwood City Harbor. Local businessmen and civic leaders formed the Redwood City Harbor Company in 1912 to establish the Port's identity.

The Port's infrastructure has undergone significant changes over the years, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging a 7-foot-deep channel between 1886 and 1889, and later increasing the channel width to 100 feet by 1903 and 150 feet by 1911.

The early years of the Port of Redwood City were marked by its founding by Robert O. Tripp and Mathias A. Parkhurst in 1850. They started a lumber operation using the waterways of Redwood Creek to float coast redwoods from Woodside to San Francisco.

The Port was initially called El Embarcadero, but it wasn't until 1912 that it officially became known as the Port of Redwood City. This change in name reflected the growing importance of the Port in the early 20th century.

G.M. Burnham built the first schooner, named Redwood, in 1851, marking the beginning of the shipbuilding industry in the Port. Shipbuilding thrived here until the 1880s, with the last wooden ship, the Perseverance, being launched in 1883.

The Port's infrastructure underwent significant changes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging a 7-foot-deep channel between 1886 and 1889.

The Port of Redwood City had its best year in history in Fiscal Year 2017-18, generating $8.6 million in revenue.

This achievement was a significant milestone, with a 49% increase in cargo over the prior year, totaling over 2.3 million metric tons.

The Port's strong cargo and revenue results provided a solid foundation for continued growth in maritime trade.

This growth is crucial for the local Redwood City community, as it supports the annual payment to the City for services and activates recreational waterfront uses.

One of the key factors contributing to this success was the Port's focus on construction materials, with sand, gypsum, and aggregates being the top imported materials.

Scrap metal was also a significant export, with one cargo ship able to displace 2500 truck trips, reducing congestion on the region's already crowded roads and highways.

The Port of Redwood City is situated in a unique environment that affects its operations and sustainability. The port is located on the San Francisco Bay, which is a sensitive and protected ecosystem.

The port's proximity to the bay means it's subject to tidal fluctuations, which can impact cargo handling and storage. The bay's water quality is also a concern, with strict regulations in place to prevent pollution.

The port's environmental impact is mitigated by its use of electric and hybrid equipment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

The Port of Redwood City is situated on the east banks of Redwood Creek, approximately one kilometer upchannel from the mouth of Redwood Creek.

Extensive areas of marshland and bay muds are found in the vicinity of the Port. This unique environment supports a diverse range of plant and animal life.

Typical high tides at the Port range from 7.0 to 8.4 feet, based on February 2007 tide chart data. This fluctuation affects the surrounding landscape and can impact navigation and coastal activities.

Water temperatures in the slough of Redwood Creek typically run to the low 70s F by mid and late summer. This can be as much as 10 degrees warmer than water temperatures in the northern and central sections of San Francisco Bay.

The San Francisco Bay Area's climate may seem uniform, but it's actually quite varied.

Temperatures in the area closely match those of San Francisco International Airport and Palo Alto Airport.

Wind speeds, however, can differ significantly, with the Port of Redwood City experiencing half the levels of San Francisco Airport.

This is not surprising, given the influence of the San Bruno Gap in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which is known to create high wind speeds in Northern San Mateo County.

The Port of Redwood City is a crucial economic driver for the region, but it's also a potential hazard in the event of an emergency. The port's proximity to residential areas and major transportation routes makes it a high-risk area for accidents and spills.

The port's emergency preparedness plan includes regular drills and training exercises for personnel to ensure they're ready to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a crisis. This includes training on how to respond to spills and other environmental hazards.

The port's proximity to residential areas makes it essential to have a plan in place for evacuating people in the event of an emergency. The port's emergency preparedness plan includes routes and procedures for evacuating people quickly and safely.

The port's emergency preparedness plan also includes procedures for communicating with the public and emergency responders in the event of an emergency. This includes regular testing of emergency alert systems and procedures for disseminating information to the public.

In the event of a major spill or accident, the port has a plan in place for containing and cleaning up the spill. This includes having equipment and personnel on site to respond quickly and effectively.

The port's emergency preparedness plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains effective and relevant. This includes staying up to date with the latest regulations and best practices for emergency preparedness.

The Port of Redwood City has undergone significant developments in recent years.

The port has expanded its cargo handling capabilities, now capable of handling 1.5 million tons of cargo annually.

A new 17-acre container terminal was opened in 2019, increasing the port's container capacity by 50%.

This expansion has allowed the port to accommodate larger ships and increase its market share.

The port's proximity to Silicon Valley and the Bay Area's tech industry has made it an attractive location for companies looking to import and export high-tech goods.

The port's container terminal is now equipped to handle the largest container ships in the world, with a maximum capacity of 18,000 TEUs.

The Port of Redwood City is a unique and exciting place to explore. It's located on the San Francisco Bay, providing stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.

The Port offers a variety of services, including cargo handling, ship repair, and storage facilities. It's a major hub for the import and export of goods.

One of the most notable features of the Port is its deep-water berths, which can accommodate large vessels. This allows for efficient and safe cargo handling.

The Port is also home to a variety of businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers. These companies take advantage of the Port's convenient location and services.

The Port's location on the San Francisco Bay provides a natural buffer against earthquakes and other seismic activity. This makes it an attractive location for businesses and residents alike.

The Port has a long history of innovation and progress, dating back to its founding in 1911. It has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the region.

The Port of Redwood City is a significant economic driver for the region, generating over $2 billion in economic activity annually.

The Port's master plan is designed to accommodate growth while minimizing environmental impacts.

The Port has a long history of collaboration with local stakeholders, dating back to the 1960s.

The Port's planning process involves regular community outreach and engagement to ensure that the needs of local residents and businesses are taken into account.

The Port's waterfront area is zoned for mixed-use development, allowing for a blend of commercial, industrial, and residential uses.

The Port's goal is to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.