INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Port of Hueneme balances growth, sustainability and financial pressure California’s investment in its ports is helping the Port of Hueneme accelerate its clean-energy goals while expanding its cargo business and navigating the challenges of tariffs and rising costs.
T he Port of Hueneme is putting state and federal funding to work as it pursues the ambi- tious goal of achieving zero emissions from all port operations by 2030. Jason Hodge, President of the Port of Hueneme’s Commission, reported that the Port recently hosted California’s Secretary of Transportation to cele- brate the first project to be com- pleted under the Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP). The PFIP is a part of a historic one-billion- dollar state investment in California’s ports implemented by the State of California about 18 months ago. “We’re definitely putting that money to good use,” Hodge said, noting that the funding will also help the port leverage additional resources for lar- ger infrastructure and environmental programs. Hodge credited the port’s relation- ships with the state, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for helping make its environ- mental ambitions possible. Over the
year, it provided more than $370,000 in local sponsorships and continued its Global Trade & Logistics Class, now in its 21 st year. The program brings high school students to the Port for school credits and introduces them to logistics in all parts of the maritime industry. The port is also preparing for its 13 th annual Banana Festival, a fun community event that celebrates Hueneme’s identity and its connection to global trade. Meanwhile, the Port is challenging a local tax assessment that deemed revenue from ships berthing at the Port should be taxed as though they were part of the property. This would make them the only port in America to be subject to this ruling and Hodge warned other port delegates that this could set a precedent if not successfully fought. Efforts to address the issue are being pursued through the Maritime Commission currently and Hodge noted that the Port was willing to take the issue right through to the Supreme Court to argue it as a violation of the U.S. Constitution. For Hueneme, the combination of clean-energy investment, changing cargo patterns, community engage- ment and advocacy reflects the real- ities of operating a modern port where environmental goals and economic resilience must advance together.
past decade, the Port of Hueneme has received about $65 million from MARAD and EPA programs — more than twice its annual operating budget of about $30 million. From bananas to blueberries Typically known for its robust busi- ness with bananas, the Port is now making more revenue off blueberries. For Hodge, the change represents more than a business success – it also demon- strates the environmental advantages of moving cargo by water. Blueberries destined for California were previously shipped to New Jersey and then trans- ported across the country by rail. By moving the cargo through Hueneme and keeping it closer to its final des- tination, carbon emissions are lower. “It’s a really big win,” Hodge said, describing the growth in blueberries as “a big testament to the maritime high- way” and its role as an efficient way to move cargo. The Port remains among the nation’s top five auto ports, although vehicle volumes are down nearly 30 per- cent, which Hodge attributed almost entirely to tariffs. Increased activity in high-and-heavy cargo, along with non-operating revenue, has helped off- set the decline. “We are still going to have a record-breaking year,” he said. “But just by a tiny bit. We are a success, but we succeed on the edge of a knife,” Hodge said. Investing in the community The Port continues to be very involved in the surrounding community. Last
Jason Hodge, Port of Hueneme
16 — PACIFIC PORTS — October 2026
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