Redwood City Sees Cargo Movement Boost

Port of Redwood City reports 19% increase in cargo movement; highest since 2006 and third highest in modern history

Reflecting a significant increase in construction in the Bay Area and the high quality of building materials from British Columbia, the Port of Redwood City said it has experienced a 19% increase in cargo movement across its docks for the fiscal year 2013/2014 that ended June 30.

The 12-month figure was 1,784,659 metric tons (MT), up from 1,493,190 MT from the previous fiscal year and the highest at the port since 2006. It also was the third highest in modern Port history, behind 1,833,022 MT in 2005-2006 and 1,908,172 MT in 2004-2005.

Approximate percentage breakdowns by commodities: imported sand 44%, imported aggregates 32%, exported scrap metal 16%; imported bauxite 3%; imported gypsum 3%; domestic sand 2%, and imported ground slag 1%.

There were no imports of cement during FY14 and no cement is expected for the entire FY15.

In contrast, Cemex Aggregates imported 1,351,815 MT of sand and aggregates during FY14, and was 304,010 MT, or 29o/o more than in FY13. This was an all-time annual high for Cemex Aggregates imports, compared to 1,047,805 MT in FY13.

"The high quality of the sand and gravel aggregates from British Columbia combined with the dwindling supply of these materials in Northern California because quarries are unable to expand triggered a strong demand that the port benefitted from," said Executive Director Michael J. Giari.

The building aggregates arrive at the port by ships that contain self-unloading features, provided by Canadian Steamship Lines. Eagle Rock Aggregates is the supplier of these high quality construction aggregates. The company operates the Orca Quarry, located on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, BC, which is a very high quality sand and gravel resource with significant long-term capacities.

Operations Manager Don Snaman said 89 vessels (64 ships and 25 barges) made calls during the year, compared to 70 vessels (51 ships and 19 barges) the year before.

redwoodcityport.com