Port of Redwood City posts 28% cargo increase

Port of Redwood City posts 28% cargo increase    The Port of Redwood City, Calif., said Tuesday it handled a record 1.4 million metric tons during the first three quarters of the fiscal year, a 28 percent rise over the same period last year. The port’s fiscal year ends June 30.
   The port said increased trade with Asia for scrap metal, a strong demand for construction materials from Asia and the Pacific Northwest, and the improving U.S. economy were the major factors triggering the increase in tonnage.
   Redwood customer, Sims Metal, reported increased shipments of ferrous scrap metal to Asia, totaling 297,219 metric tons in the first three quarters of the fiscal year, an increase of 37 percent over the same period last year.
   Another port customer, RMC Pacific Materials, said it imported 439,792 metric tons of cement from Asia during the first three quarters, up 51 percent over last year for the same period. Other commodities imported during the first nine months included gypsum (up 21 percent), bauxite, crushed limestone, construction sand, and dredged sand.
   The first three quarters of the fiscal year saw 123 vessels call on the port compared to 98 vessels during the same period last year.
   “The outlook for the final quarter is very good,” said port executive director Michael Giari. “We have a chance to approach two million tons for the first time,” he added.