Port of Redwood City Sees Cargo Increase
The Port of Redwood City experienced a five percent increase in cargo movement across its docks for the first half of fiscal year 2014/2015 that ended December 31, 2015.
Imported sand and aggregates accounted for 691,276 metric tons (MT), or nearly 79 percent of the tonnage for the first half of the fiscal year. This was nearly eight percent more than the same period last fiscal year. These products are used in Silicon Valley and Redwood City construction projects.
The next largest tonnage was exported shredded scrap metal, totaling 135,876 MT, or nearly 16 percent of the total second half tonnage. Although not large quantities, imported bauxite, domestic sand and ground slag added to the mix of inbound cargo.
Fifty-four vessels (30 ships and 24 barges) made calls during the first half of FY 15 compared to 36 vessels (30 ships and six barges) during the first half of FY 14.
The construction aggregates arrive at the Port in large ocean going ships that are equipped with on board conveyors for unloading. The ships, owned by CSL (Canadian Steamship Lines), load this material at the Orca Quarry, located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. The high quality sand and gravel aggregates are used to make concrete that meets the highest seismic engineering standards.