Port of Hueneme Dock Talk — Thank you to all of our customers who help make our cargo move!

As I reflect on this past year serving as your President of the Oxnard Harbor District, I am filled with deep pride and sincere gratitude. The progress we have made together is a direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment of so many individuals who believe in the strength of this port and the community it serves. Truly, none of this work happens alone.

This year, our connection with the community continued to grow stronger. Our team was proud to support, sponsor, and volunteer at numerous community events, conferences, and initiatives throughout the year- creating meaningful opportunities to engage with residents, partners, and stakeholders across Ventura County. These moments of connection help guide our work and reinforce the importance of listening, learning, and leading with purpose.

Through our community support and sponsorship efforts, over $370,000 was contributed to support over 150 organizations/nonprofits from veterans’ groups, environmental organizations, housing sector, health, education, and community cultural and civic engagement opportunities and welcomed thousands of individuals to engage with and experience our port. We are proud of the role we play in strengthening the fabric of our region and supporting programs that make a lasting impact.

Equally important has been our continued engagement with locally elected officials, state leaders, and members of Congress. Open and ongoing dialogue has been essential in advocating for policies and investments that benefit our district and the communities we serve. These partnerships have helped secure significant funding for key initiatives, including workforce development and environmental projects that advance cleaner operations and innovative solutions while providing opportunities to the underserved.

Environmental leadership, sustainability, and innovation remain central to our mission. This year, we continued to make meaningful strides toward a cleaner, more resilient future- building on initiatives that reduce emissions, improve air quality, and position our port as a leader in responsible maritime operations. These efforts reflect our long-term commitment to balancing economic vitality with environmental stewardship.

Our collaboration with local educational institutions also remained a priority. Partnerships with schools and colleges have helped create pathways for students and community members to access quality jobs in the maritime and logistics sectors. By investing in education and workforce development, we are strengthening our local talent pipeline and supporting a regional economy that benefits families throughout Ventura County.

This year also marked meaningful progress in the development of our S.P.E.E.D. Program, an initiative designed to strengthen workforce pathways and expand access to careers in the maritime and logistics industries. The program underscores our resolve to empower the next generation of professionals by connecting education, training, and real-world experience in a way that is both intentional and impactful.

Through continued planning, partnership-building, and program design, the S.P.E.E.D. program is laying the groundwork for hands-on learning opportunities, skill development, and long-term career growth. As this program evolves, it will play a key role in aligning industry needs with local talent- ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a modern, sustainable port.

To my family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community: thank you. Your encouragement, trust, and support have been the foundation of this year’s accomplishments. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated milestones, and continued to move the Oxnard Harbor District forward.

As we close out the year and look ahead, I remain deeply grateful to everyone who has partnered with us along the way. It has been an honor to serve as President, and while this chapter comes to a close, my commitment to this port and our community continues. I look forward to continuing to serve as a member of the Board of Harbor Commissioners and working together to ensure a strong, sustainable, and prosperous future for the Oxnard Harbor District.

MESSAGE FROM CEO & PORT DIRECTOR KRISTIN DECAS

Dedication and resilience. Those are the words that come to mind when I look back on 2025. Our dedicated partners and customers once again united not only to keep cargo moving but to also make a difference in our community. At the same time, in the face of uncertain and challenging times, we moved 417,000 cars, grew our container business by 10 percent, and ended the year with our bond debt fully retired.

This is all possible thanks to our wonderful customers and business partners who continue to choose the Port of Hueneme. Your trust and collaboration allow us to support thousands of jobs and play a vital role in powering the local economy. Your partnership is the foundation of our success.

This year marked several milestones for the Port on the global stage. We advanced efforts to support the development of a green shipping corridor–an important step toward cleaner, more sustainable maritime trade. We also formalized a Sister Ports agreement with the Port of Paita, Peru, strengthening international collaboration and reinforcing our shared commitment to innovation, resilience, and economic opportunity.

Investing in cleaner operations and improved air quality remained a top priority. Thanks to VCTC, the Port was awarded a $4 million grant through the Clean Emission Mitigation and Air Quality (CEMAQ) program. This funding will support projects that reduce emissions and is just one of many ways the Port is investing in sustainability. In fact, we currently have over $105 million in active projects that will electrify operations and help us pursue our goal of reaching Zero Emissions status by 2030.

Another word that comes to mind for 2025 is tariffs, and I’m sure you’re wondering how shifting trade policies have impacted our operations at the Port of Hueneme. I’m happy to report that tariffs have not had a major impact on perishables, and our fruit segment volumes have increased by 7.3 percent. While auto volumes are down 11 percent, trade policies have now been locked down more favorably, and forecasts look strong. Thankfully, our diverse operations provide balance and underscore the resilience we have to navigate uncertainty while delivering steady performance and long-term growth.

We were also proud to bring people together through education, engagement, and recognition. During World Trade Month, we hosted an event that highlighted the Port’s role in global commerce and the importance of international trade to our regional economy. In recognition of World Oceans Day, the Port, alongside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, spotlighted our customers’ leadership in sustainable shipping through the Blue Whales Blue Skies award.

Each of these accomplishments is possible thanks to the dedication and resilience of our staff, labor partners, elected officials, and community leaders. Thank you for being part of another impactful year at your Port, and we look forward to building on this momentum in 2026. Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a healthy, successful New Year!!!

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025

 

 

 

2025 FISCAL YEAR REVIEW

OVERALL CARGO: UP 1.7%

 

 

OPERATING REVENUE HOLDING STEADY:

 

TOTAL REVENUE & TONNAGE TREND:

 

 

BOND DEBT FULLY RETIRED!