Port Ranked 2nd in State in Dry Bulk Cargo Shipping

The Port of Redwood City was recently ranked second in the State of California in volume of dry bulk cargo tonnage handled in fiscal year 2012/2013, ending June 30, 2013. 

The California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA), which represents the 11 commercial deepwater ports in California, recently announced its annual "ranking" of California ports by tonnage.  The Port of Redwood City handled 1.4 million metric tons of dry bulk cargo in FY2012/29013m which ranked it second behind the Port of Long Beach.

The Port of Redwood City is primarily a "bulk port" handling goods that are transported in "ship load" quantities including imported construction materials (sand/gravel aggregates, cement, and gypsum) and exported recycled materials (iron scrap and other metals).  The increase in construction activity in the South San Francisco Bay region increased overall tonnage for the Port by 13 percent over last year.  This increase is expected to accelerate next year with the completion of the reconstruction of the Port's Wharves 1&2 facility that handles the majority of bulk construction cargo.         

Total tonnage for all commodities crossing over the docks at the Port of Redwood City during the first quarter of Fiscal year 2014 (period ending September 30, 2013) was 366,063 metric tons, an increase of 27,837 MT, or eight percent over the first quarter of FY 13.

 Approximate percentage breakdowns by commodities: imported sand 46%; imported aggregates 23%; exported shredded scrap metal 21%; imported gypsum  seven percent  and the remaining three percent consisted of domestic sand.

Sand and aggregates continue to be at a high demand for the local ready-mix concrete suppliers, reports Port Operations Manager Don Snaman. 

He said 18 vessels (13 ships, 5 barges) made calls during the first quarter of FY 2013-14.