Port of Redwood City

What Port of Redwood City does

Port of Redwood City is a municipal port authority, established in 1851 and operated under the governance of the City of Redwood City, that functions as the only deep-water port in the South San Francisco Bay. It operates 120 acres of industrial and commercial land handling bulk, neo-bulk, and liquid cargoes including imports of concrete, aggregates, gypsum, and slag, as well as exports of scrap and recycled materials serving Silicon Valley's construction and recycling industries. In FY2022-23 the Port processed 1.82 million metric tons of cargo and generated $10 million in gross revenue, a 4% year-over-year increase, with $3.5 million in net results available for reinvestment.

The Port operates across three core business lines: maritime commerce (cargo handling, industrial and commercial leasing of Portside 1 and Portside 2 facilities), waterfront recreation (marina operations, public fishing pier, 24/7 boat launch, parks, and viewing areas spanning over a mile of public access), and community programming (PortFest, Rock the Dock concert series, lighted drone shows). Revenue is generated through transaction fees on cargo operations, recurring lease and marina rentals, and ancillary recreation and event fees. Anchor tenants include International Materials, CEMEX Aggregate, Pabco Gypsum, and Sims Metal Management for cargo; Sequoia Yacht Club, Spinnaker Sailing, and Redwood Water Sports for recreation; and Marine Science Institute for maritime education.

The Port is positioned as a federal maritime gateway and FEMA Federal Staging Area, with infrastructure engineered to withstand 8.9 magnitude earthquakes, and channel dredging maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ($7.35 million in federal FY2026 work plan funding). The major development initiative is the Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project, in partnership with the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority and consultant CDM Smith, targeting 2026 completion with projected 2,100 daily passengers connecting to San Francisco and Oakland. The Port also maintains Green Marine environmental certification and is governed by a Board of Port Commissioners appointed by the Redwood City City Council.

Name

Port of Redwood City

Legal name

Port of Redwood City

Website

https://redwoodcityport.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1851

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Port of Redwood City is a municipal port authority operating the only deep-water port in South San Francisco Bay, serving Silicon Valley with bulk cargo handling, industrial leasing, marina services, waterfront recreation, and a ferry terminal project targeting 2026 completion.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Port Operations

NAICS

Port and Harbor Operations (488310), Marinas (713930), Marine Cargo Handling (48832)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Terminals & Cargo Handling Infrastructure (RoRo, Bulk, Container) (IMAFAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Port & Harbor Construction (Quays, Wharves, Berths) (IMAFAJAA), Ferry Terminals & Water Transit Piers (THAIALAH)

Keywords

• Maritime port operations
• Bulk cargo handling
• Waterfront recreation services
• Marina slip rentals
• Industrial property leasing

Headquarters

HQ city

Redwood City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Cargo Operations: Revenue from cargo handling including imports of concrete, aggregates, gypsum, slag, and exports of scrap/recycled materials. In 2023, cargo operations generated $10 million in gross revenue with 1.82 million metric tons processed.
2. Property Rental and Leases: Revenue from leasing port facilities including Portside 1 & 2 commercial spaces, industrial tenants, and waterfront properties
3. Marina Services: Dry boat storage, marina slips, berthing services, and boat launch fees
4. Waterfront Recreation: Public boat launch fees ($5.00 per launch), park permits, and recreational access fees
5. Special Events: Revenue from community events including drone shows, PortFest, and waterfront activities supported by sponsorships

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Port of Redwood City operates a deep-water maritime port handling bulk, neo-bulk, and liquid cargoes (concrete, aggregates, gypsum, slag, scrap/recycled materials) for Silicon Valley's construction and recycling industries. It also provides waterfront recreation including a marina with slips and dry boat storage, a public fishing pier, a 24/7 public boat launch ramp, waterfront parks, and community events such as PortFest, Rock the Dock concerts, and drone light shows. Industrial and commercial property leasing (Portside 1 and Portside 2) and the in-development Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project round out the offerings.

Product overview

Port of Redwood City is a municipal port authority operating as a single integrated port. The port's core offerings center on maritime commerce operations (handling bulk, neo-bulk, and liquid cargoes), waterfront recreation facilities (marina, public fishing pier, boat launches, waterfront parks), and community programming (PortFest, Rock the Dock concerts, drone shows). Major development initiatives include the Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project targeting 2026 completion. The port serves the Silicon Valley region as the only deep-water port in the South Bay area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Maritime Commerce Operations Deep-water port operations handling bulk, neo-bulk, and liquid cargoes including imports of concrete, aggregates, gypsum, slag, and exports of scrap/recycled materials. Serves construction industry and recycling needs of Silicon Valley. Generated $10 million in gross revenue and processed 1.82 million metric tons in 2023.
• Redwood City Marina Full-service marina offering wet slips, dry boat storage, berthing applications, and boat launch ramp access to San Francisco Bay for trailered boats. Operated in partnership with Spinnaker Sailing.
• Waterfront Recreation Public waterfront access including parks, picnic areas, fishing pier, walking trails, and viewing areas spanning more than one mile of public access along the Port's waterfront.
• Public Fishing Pier Public fishing pier in Redwood Creek main channel with ADA improvements, interpretational signage highlighting local fish species including leopard shark, white sturgeon, jacksmelt, striped bass, and bat rays. Available to the public at no charge.
• Industrial/Commercial Leasing Commercial property leasing including Portside 1 and Portside 2 facilities, and industrial land for maritime-related businesses. Contacts include Deborah O'Reilly (Portside 1) and Jeff Clark (Portside 2).
• Public Boat Launch One of only two public boat launch ramps providing access to San Francisco Bay south of Coyote Point, available 24/7 for $5.00 per launch fee.
• PortFest Annual free community celebration held in October featuring boat tours, live music, kid zone, food vendors, vessel tours, and waterfront activities.
• Rock the Dock Concert Series Free weekly summer concert series at the waterfront featuring live music performances from local bands.
• Drone Light Shows Lighted drone shows featuring synchronized drone displays with maritime-themed animations and live music performances, presented in partnership with Open Sky Productions.
• Redwood City Ferry Service Passenger ferry service connecting Redwood City to San Francisco (and Oakland via the broader WETA ferry system), initially as a pilot ballpark service with the Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project targeting 2026 completion and projected 2,100 passengers per day at launch.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.82 million metric tons of cargo processed in 2023
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• San Francisco Bay FerryflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 July 2024Pilot program launching July 2024 for ferry service from Port of Redwood City to Port of San Francisco on select Sundays coinciding with Giants games. Tests ferry service concept while providing community transportation alternative.
• Open Sky ProductionsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2023Partnership for annual lighted drone shows at waterfront featuring hundreds of synchronized drones. First show May 2023, second annual show May 2024 with Star Wars theme, 150+ drones. Partnership creates unique waterfront entertainment events.
• CDM SmithcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 22 March 2023Selected as consultant firm to conduct California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process for Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project. Leading environmental impact studies required for ferry terminal development and implementation.
• Green MarinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2021Port joined Green Marine, largest voluntary environmental certification program for North America's maritime industry. Must consistently report performance indicators including greenhouse gases, air pollutants, spill prevention, stormwater management, and community impacts.
• San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 January 2021Partnership to develop Redwood City Ferry Terminal Project. WETA and Port conducted feasibility study accepted in November 2020, now developing business plan for CEQA environmental review. Project expected to serve approximately 2,100 passengers per day at launch, connecting Redwood City to San Francisco and Oakland. Port will represent southernmost hub in San Francisco Bay Ferry System.
• U.S. Army Corps of EngineerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership for annual channel dredging operations critical to port operations. U.S. Army Corps maintains shipping channel through federal work plans, including $7.35 million federal FY2026 work plan allocation.
• City of Redwood CitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple partnerships including waterfront development, ferry terminal project, parks and recreation collaboration, emergency preparedness, and community events. City Council reappointed commissioners and approved ferry feasibility study.
• San Mateo County Office of EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to grow next generation of skilled maritime talent through workforce partnerships and early career exposure with local students. On May 14, 11th and 12th grade students participated in career event at port.
• Spinnaker SailingflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarina operations partner handling marina slips, dry boat storage, berthing applications, and sailing excursions. Provides waterfront recreational services at Port.
• Marine Science InstituteflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides harbor tours on 'Robert G. Brownlee' vessel and participates in PortFest with boat ride activities for community education about maritime science.
• Sequoia Yacht ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWaterfront sailing club providing open house events during PortFest, sailing regattas, and waterfront camaraderie for members.
• Pioneer SeafoodsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial fishing vessel offering 'ocean to table' fresh fish sales nearly every weekend along the Port's waterfront since pandemic.
• American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization empowering over 130 ports and maritime industry partners. Port has won two AAPA communications awards and Executive Director serves in leadership roles.
• California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of California's 11 major deepwater ports. Executive Director Kristine Zortman serves as President (2023-2025). Association secured $1.3 billion in funding for ports and $27 million in grant funds.
• Association of Pacific PortscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional port association. Port Commissioner Richard Dodge served as past president and regional coordinator, providing international maritime leadership connections.
• CEMEXminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor port tenant and event sponsor for drone shows and community events.
• GraniterockminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for drone shows and community waterfront events.
• SIMS Metal ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for drone shows and community waterfront events.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• CEMEX: CEMEX is a major global building materials company and key Port of Redwood City tenant handling aggregate imports. Comparable as a major customer in the construction materials supply chain served by the Port's bulk cargo operations.
• San Francisco Bay Ferry (WETA): WETA operates the San Francisco Bay Ferry system with whom Port of Redwood City is developing its ferry terminal project. Comparable as a strategic partner in passenger ferry services, with potential overlap in ferry terminal operations.

Broad incumbents

• Port of Long Beach: Port of Long Beach is one of the largest container ports in the United States. Comparable as a California public port authority under municipal governance, though operating at vastly larger scale and focused on containerized cargo.
• Port of Oakland: Port of Oakland is a major Bay Area container port handling the majority of regional containerized cargo. Comparable as a Bay Area public port serving Silicon Valley supply chains, though much larger scale and focused on container operations rather than bulk.
• Port of San Francisco: Port of San Francisco manages Bay Area waterfront including cargo, cruise, and recreation facilities. Comparable as a Bay Area public port authority balancing maritime commerce with waterfront public access and development.

Direct peers

• Port of Stockton: Port of Stockton is an inland deep-water port in California's Central Valley handling bulk cargo including construction materials, agricultural products, and fertilizers. Directly comparable as a small-to-mid California bulk port serving regional industrial customers with similar cargo mix and operations.
• Port of Humboldt Bay: Port of Humboldt Bay is a small California port authority handling bulk and break-bulk cargo on the North Coast. Directly comparable as a small California public port with diversified cargo and waterfront recreation offerings.
• Port of Richmond: Port of Richmond is a Bay Area municipal port handling bulk and liquid cargo with significant industrial waterfront. Directly comparable as a Northern California municipal port with mixed cargo, marina, and recreation operations serving a regional industrial base.
• Port of Sacramento: Port of Sacramento is an inland deep-water port in California's Central Valley handling bulk cargo. Directly comparable as a small California public port with similar cargo handling capabilities and regional industrial customer base.

Regional players

• Port of Benicia: Port of Benicia is a Bay Area municipal port primarily handling petroleum and bulk liquid cargo. Comparable as a Northern California public port serving industrial customers with bulk cargo operations, though focused more on petroleum than construction materials.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/redwoodcityport
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCVSUC0RXhuAcJGSfnisv5Pg
• Facebookfacebook.com/redwoodcityport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/port-of-redwood-city
• Instagraminstagram.com/portofredwoodcity

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Port of Redwood City