PORT UPDATES
for larger vessel launches. With an 18-month timeline, the Port of Skagit is once again aligning strategic invest- ment with tenant growth, demon- strating how smaller ports can play an outsized role in maritime innovation. Modernization and momen- tum at the Port of Stockton Keeping his comments brief follow- ing his more detailed presentation with SSA Marine’s Joe Carrillo, ( see page X ), Jeff Wingfield, Deputy Port Director for the Port of Stockton, highlighted current activities and initiatives. The bulk / breakbulk port handled about four million metric tons of cargo last year across its 2,000-acre operating footprint — much of it supported by World War II–era facilities, keeping the Port busy with dock upgrade projects. With cargoes such as cement, steel, fertilizer (both dry and liquid) and most recently windmill components for imports; and rice, sulfur, and coal exports, Wingfield noted that in addi- tion to dock upgrades, the Port was undertaking rail upgrades thanks in part to MARAD’S Port Infrastructure Development Program grants. “The grants have been directed to a ‘rail hardening’ project that will upgrade a few miles of rail to a higher gauge to help support the heavier loads that are coming in,” he said. “And then we’ve got another long lead double track project that we’re working on to add another off ramp from the BNSF
amenities that cater to both recrea- tional maritime and boat building and repair capabilities. In addition to operating an international airport and the 500- berth La Conner Marina, the Port of Skagit is developing plans for the 200- acre Swift Center – historic grounds that were landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers. The site is now poised for long-term redevelopment, offering the Port a significant opportunity to reimagine a landmark property for future economic use. On the waterfront, La Conner Marina serves approximately 500 recreational and commercial fishing vessels and supports a vibrant maritime community. Mankamyer highlighted the Port’s cultivation of a growing niche in boat building and repair. Its flagship tenant, Mavrik Marine, has become a standout success story. Mavrik Marine specializes in double- hulled aluminum passenger ferries and whale-watching boats. To support this advanced manufacturing, the Port invested in a climate-controlled facility — essential for precision aluminum welding — and the strategy has paid off. After completing one ferry con- tract for the San Francisco market, Mavrik has secured a new multi-year agreement to build larger vessels for the Golden Gate ferry system. The expansion now requires signifi- cant infrastructure upgrades, includ- ing construction of a new travel lift
Jeff Wingfield, Port of Stockton
line into the Port of Stockton. This will provide additional resiliency for the Port as well as greater operational flexibility.” Wingfield noted that private-sec- tor investment is also contributing to the Port’s growth. Home Depot is constructing a state-of-the-art, 600,000-square-foot distribution facil- ity, further strengthening Stockton’s logistics profile. On the environmental front, the Port is preparing to deploy bon- net capture and control technology later this year to reduce emissions, while continuing engagement with the Green Marine sustainability pro- gram. Together, these efforts position Stockton for resilient, responsible growth in the years ahead.
36 — PACIFIC PORTS — March 2026
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