PORT UPDATES
underscores the critical role of sup- porting shipyards and heavy industry alongside local communities. Malcolm highlighted the Port’s robust Maritime Clean Air Strategy, in place since 2021, that has led to initiatives such as replacing the pol- luting pieces of equipment around San Diego Bay, including installation of North America’s first all-electric mobile harbor crane which, in addi- tion to eliminating emissions, doubled lift capacity (from 200 to 400 metric tons). The Port was the first in the U.S. to introduce an electric tugboat into the harbour and also added an electric ferry that operates between the San Diego and Coronado in addition to adding 700 kilowatts of solar pan- els and 1,200 kilowatts of energy stor- age, further reducing diesel particulate matter, NOx, and CO₂ emissions to the great benefit for nearby urban neighborhoods. Waterfront redevelopment is another focus for the Port. “We have trans- formed 535 acres of brownfield into vibrant mixed-use spaces,” Malcolm said, “including the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center (one of California’s largest, generating a quarter-billion dollars annually and employing thousands), Sweetwater Park, Freedom Park, and the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, home of the San Diego Symphony.” He added that upcoming plans include a sports com- plex with tennis, water polo, hotels, and an IMAX theater, plus the ambi- tious $3-to-4 billion Seaport Village redevelopment, adding 2,100 hotel rooms and extensive retail space. Through these efforts, the Port of San Diego has demonstrated how stra- tegic maritime operations, environ- mental stewardship, and urban revitalization can coexist, shaping a waterfront that supports economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for surrounding communities.
Stan Maupin, Port of Redwood City
A banner year operationally for the Port, the recorded revenue of $10.7 million and handled around two million metric tonnes of cargo.
anniversary. Popular programs such as “Rock the Dock” with live music Saturdays and seasonal drone shows continue to draw large crowds. The Port has also been in discussions with the local school district to implement a maritime curriculum into high schools and junior high schools. Port of San Diego leads with innovation, sustainability, Reporting for the Port of San Diego, Commissioner Dan Malcolm, joined by Commissioners Frank Urtasun and Dr. GilAnthony Ungab, emphasized the unique complexity of coordination that comes with dealing with five may- ors and over 30 city council members while operating in a highly strategic environment. Notably, the Port shares San Diego Bay with the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, hosting 73 vessels includ- ing three carrier battle groups, which and waterfront transformation
project which, Maupin hopes, will lead to more forward-looking, nature-based policies. Providing an update on the Port of Redwood City’s efforts to bring a ferry service to the South Bay in San Francisco, Maupin was “excitedly looking forward” to the certification of the Environmental Impact Report. This would mark the first time a ferry service would be offered in the South Bay. Meanwhile, a $360 million inter- change modernization project — backed by more than $150 million in federal and regional funding — aims for completion by 2030, promising safer, higher-capacity cargo access and long-term economic growth. Community engagement with the Port of Redwood City remains a key priority. After the city canceled its traditional Fourth of July fireworks, the Port stepped in to fully fund the celebration for the nation’s 250 th
34 — PACIFIC PORTS — March 2026
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