The MOU outlines an agreement between the five container ports to jointly advance computerized and cloud-based data interoperability with a common goal of resilience.
The Port of Hueneme’s CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas announced the promotion of Austin Yang to the new Chief Financial and Chief Administration Officer effective March 6th, 2023.
Kristin Decas, Port of Hueneme’s CEO and Port Director said:” I am very pleased that Austin Yang is taking over as our new CFO/CAO and I am very confident that he will continue to make great contributions to the Port of Hueneme in his new role.”
Austin Yang said: “I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the Port of Hueneme in this new role. I would like to thank Andrew Palomares, my predecessor, for his strategic guidance and leadership, which helped the Port to establish a solid financial foundation. I look forward to working with the talented Port family across the District in my new capacity to drive our continued financial, environmental, social, and commercial success under the leadership of the Board of Harbor Commissioners and executive management team.”
“We are excited to have Austin Yang take up the position of the Port’s CFO/CAO. Over the past 8.5 years at the Port, he has shown great leadership and fiscal responsibility.” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.
The excitement of sport combined with the rigors of science and technology brought together 1,400 high school students along with their 44 life-sized robots to test the power of collaboration and measure the effectiveness of innovations for the Hueneme Port Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. The Port of Hueneme is host to the competition that will take place over two consecutive weekends from March 4-5 and March 11-12.
Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District addressed the students before the start of the competition by stating he was very proud of the skill and determination on display.
“Don’t be afraid to make a mistake because that’s how things progress in life,” Herrera said. “To the students, I salute all of you. You’re talented and be very proud of your outcomes.”
Following a 15-year stellar career of public service and organizational leadership, Andrew Palomares, the Port of Hueneme’s Deputy Executive Director, Chief Financial and Chief Administrative Officer had announced his planned retirement effective Friday, March 3, 2023.
Andrew Palomares said: “I couldn’t have made a better choice than to spend the balance of my 45 years in the workforce with a career at the Port. It truly cares about jobs, the environment, and its surrounding neighborhoods. I have had more than great executive leadership, supportive Boards of Harbor Commissioners, and a very talented and memorable work family over the years. I will miss them all yet looking forward to the next chapters of my life.”
“The leadership of Andrew Palomares is truly an example of leading the Port as an organization focused on its people, customers, and community through “People First” approach in its performance excellence, which is the key to success at our Port.” said Jess Herrera, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.
Below is the agenda for The Port of Hueneme’s 10-Year Strategic Plan review.
Drop in anytime to view renderings and leave comments!
As stewards of the water, the Port of Hueneme is hosting a series of four short sessions on June 8th, seeking to inspire change and celebrate World Oceans Day! The Presenters and topics will showcase individuals whose organizations, projects, and initiatives align with the port’s mission of growing a blue economy while protecting and preserving one of the most critical pieces of our biosphere.
“The Banana Festival is a special opportunity for the Port of Hueneme to give back to the local community,” said Jess Herrera, Oxnard Harbor District Board President. “The Port has a rich 86-year history in Ventura County that has strengthened the community through strategic partnerships, created good high-paying jobs, and served as an economic engine for the region. The festival is an invitation to visit the Port to take a look into what we do on a daily basis and what makes the Port so special.”
The Port of Hueneme appreciates everyone who has journeyed with us through 2022. As we look towards 2023 we invite you to remember some of our highlights from this year. Click below to view a message from our CEO and President.
For a 12thconsecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded the Oxnard Harbor District with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, received this award for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2021.
The Port of Hueneme received $10.4 million in funding from Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to help build shoreside power plug-in infrastructure on its North Terminal. The Port also recently received state and federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust to implement innovative technologies to increase electrification efforts, track air quality progress, and further reduce particulate matter. These environmental wins benefit the Port and its surrounding community.
An established partnership between the Port of Hueneme and the City of Port Hueneme provides a meaningful impactful for local non-profits in community such as the Students for Eco-Education & Agriculture (SEEAG) Program. SEEAG educates students and the greater community about the origins of food and farming as well as the important contribution agriculture has on the nation’s well-being. The Port-City Community Benefit Fund (CBF) and SEEAG’s commitment to educate students about the farm-origins of food, provide structured STEM lesson plans, and teach youth about the food supply chain make this an ideal fit for CBF funding.
The Port of Hueneme, known as the fourth largest container Port in California, welcomed another electric-hybrid crane–an investment made by Ports America stevedoring. The crane’s arrival marked another important step in the Port’s partners continued investment in zero-emissions technology and focus on operational reliability, as the new crane is also going to be replacing another one that’s going to be decommissioned.
“We congratulate our Port partner, Ports America, for its newest $7,000,000 investment in Ventura County’s Port and in helping us continue on with our legacy as the greenest Port in the country,” said Oxnard Harbor Commission President, Mary Anne Rooney. “This brand-new, electric-hybrid crane will make us even more competitive for future grants and will help us achieve our path towards Port decarbonization much faster.”
The Port of Hueneme has been awarded $5 million dollars as part of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Fund. These funds will be utilized to purchase shoreside power hardware components for the Port’s North Terminal and further support the existing South Terminal shoreside power system used to cool reefer and container vessels.
Board of Harbor Commissioner President Mary Anne Rooney said: “We are happy to get this project started as part of The Port of Hueneme’s Environmental Management Framework (EMF), as it will significantly improve regional air quality in an Environmental Protection Agency designated priority location. It will also provide a readily available backup if the South Terminal system becomes temporarily unavailable due to construction or other projects.”
As cyber threats continue to increase across the nation, the Port of Hueneme organized a cyber security seminar to gather experts in the field who shared their knowledge and best practices. Today’s event hosted over thirty people with a panel of experts from the U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Base Ventura County, IT companies, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
IT’S GONNA BE BANANAS ON SEPTEMBER 24, 10am-6pm!
Get ready for the tastes and sounds of Ports near and far. We’ve also added an Oldies By the Sea Car Show as you enter on Market Street. Keep an eye on performer lineup and other announcements through the Banana Festival website and social media.
Follow the Port Banana Festival social media:
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It is time to go bananas at the Port of Hueneme when it opens its port to the public for the 12th annual Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Roaring back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-friendly festival promises to provide the community with a fun-filled day of entertainment, banana-themed food and drinks, harbor boat rides, land tours of the Port, vendor booths, activities, and more. The Banana Festival is free and is open to the public and will highlight the various contributions and positive impact the Port has made locally, regionally, and across the world.
We now have a 24/7 Hotline for the Community! We are open to your comments and feedback at all times of day and night.
We will listen to this hotline’s voice messages box during our regular business hours. We look forward to hearing from you.
Feel free to call us at (805) 986-1148.
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CabrilloEDC) and the Port of Hueneme hosted a food distribution on June 11. The event was hosted at Villa Cesar Chavez apartments that include 51 spacious apartments that house eligible low-income farmworker families.
Cabrillo EDC staff, resident volunteers and the Port came together to sort and distribute groceries tohelp local residents facing food insecurities. According to a 2020 California Association of Foodbanks report, food insecurity in California spiked to unprecedented levels statewide with more than 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity – about 10 million people, and 2.5 times higher than before COVID-19.
“Over the past two years, our residents have come together to support each other through thepandemic,” CEDC Board Member Cesar Hernandez stated. “Our Cabrillo communities are like family; they help each other and ensure the community as a whole is thriving. We are grateful for our community partners and collaboration of the Port of Hueneme allowing us to reach more families.”
Port Achieves Highest Scores for Green Marine Certification – This month, the Port of Hueneme earned a certification from Green Marine—the leading international environmental certification program for the maritime transportation industry — that demonstrates a tradition of leading the way towards becoming a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable port. READ MORE
Being committed to environmental stewardship ranks among the five pillars the Port of Hueneme has included in its Strategic Plan. This month, the Port of Hueneme earned a certification from Green Marine—the leading international environmental certification program for the maritime transportation industry — that demonstrates a tradition of leading the way towards becoming a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable port. Green Marine certification, which requires annual improvement, is predicated on members going beyond and above mere compliance with legally required environmental programs.
Green Marine’s environmental program assists ports, terminal operators, and shipping lines in reducing their environmental footprint through a comprehensive program that addresses key environmental issues and criteria using seven performance indicators: Greenhouse Gases & Air Pollutants, Spill Prevention and Stormwater Management, Dry Bulk Handling and Storage, Community Impact, Environmental Leadership, Waste Management, and Underwater Noise.
Trade consuls from around the world, high-ranking Department of Commerce officials, local elected officials, business leaders, and maritime industry experts gathered at the Port of Hueneme to present an important program with a special focus on environment, green technology, and the economy as it relates to the marine realm.
The 10th annual World Trade Week event, “Green Tech and Blue Economy,” was held at the Port of Hueneme on May 3, 2022 and welcomed over 100 people from around the globe with an interest and involvement in international trade.
Trade consuls from around the world, high-ranking Department of Commerce officials, local elected officials, business leaders and maritime industry experts will gather to present an important program with a special focus on environment, green technology and economics related to the marine realm.
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) recently announced grant award recipients?of the Inclusive Innovation Hub (iHub2) program. This one-time, $250,000 grant will run for a 15 month period and will help accelerate regionally focused strategies to spur innovation and diversification across industry sectors and geographies while attracting entrepreneurs from underserved business communities.
It was an unusually slow day on the docks back on April 21, 2021 when crewmembers onboard a Brusco tugboat sprang into action from the Port of Hueneme to assist a vessel in distress. A 17-year-old container ship named the President Eisenhower was headed from Los Angeles to San Francisco when it suffered an engine room fire that disabled command of the vessel.
A vessel named Teresa Brusco and her crew pushed the Eisenhower vessel away from shore while other tugboats and salvage companies came to assist. The vessel was disabled in the shipping lane while fully loaded and drifting to shore. Crewmembers of the Teresa Brusco, Capt. Mike Fullilove, Jason Diaz, George Gonzalez, and Justin Donick worked quickly to ensure everyone’s safety.
The Port of Hueneme continues to serve as a vital economic engine throughout the region as evidenced by the release of a new economic impact report. The latest results show a steady and significant increase since 2013 in several key areas as demonstrated in the report updated by Martin Associates, a renowned economic consulting company for the maritime industry. The report shows that total economic activity increased by 150% or $1.4 billion to $2.2 billion and tax revenues to local cities and the state topped out at $173.2 million, a stark 224% increase. Since the previous report released in 2018, in two short years jobs grew in record numbers to 20,032 jobs, creating 4,200 additional jobs, of which 95% of these traded-created jobs are in Ventura County.
The partnership between the Port of Hueneme and the City of Port Hueneme goes into full gear supporting the local non-profit Reel Guppy Outdoors youth program. Reel Guppy Outdoors runs its youth programs off Port Hueneme Pier and is now able to expand to Channel Islands Fisherman’s Wharf as the result of funding from the Port-City Community Benefit Fund (CBF) and other local sponsors. Activities of the local non-profit include, fishing, whale watching and outdoor field trips providing an alternative for youth to get out on the water. Engaging in outdoor fishing can provide an individual with positive benefits such as breathing fresh air, engaging in active problem solving, socialization, and even achieving a sense of excitement when a fish tugs on the fishing line, making this an ideal fit for funding out of the CBF.
As a result of Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement last year that California’s public ports will receive an allocation of funding from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Port of Hueneme was awarded $2,337,563 in funds to help recover from revenue losses experienced in fiscal year 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Lands Commission administered the grant through a competitive process for California Ports and special districts.
ARPA funding is part of the state’s effort to invest in California ports that have lost revenue and experience increases in expenses directly related to COVID-19. The funding is intended to position ports with improved infrastructure as supply chain congestion challenges our economy. The Port of Hueneme serves 15 West Coast States, Hawaii and parts of Southwest Canada, with over 15,500 jobs that are supported by its active operations.
New Partnership will Ease Supply Chain Difficulties PORT OF HUENEME — Joined by FedEx executives, Dr. Udo Lange, President/CEO of FedEx Logistics; Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Trade Networks; and Jim Rinchiuso Managing Director, Global Ocean Product for FedEx Logistics; the…
Recognized as being the fourth largest container port on the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme recently secured a new charter vessel with FedEx Logistics. The vessel, the first of three, departed on January 4th from Port Humen, China and is set to arrive by the end of January 2022. The charter vessel has a capacity of 300 53 ft. containers per sailing that contains electronics, automotive materials, and garments, as well as general department store merchandise, which are essential items that will get to the store shelves right away for purchasing.
CLICK to read a recap of what the Port of Hueneme has been up to in 2021. The Port Commissioners and staff wish you a safe, happy and prosperous 2022.
Join us at the 10th Annual World Trade Week Event! Trade consuls from around the world, high-ranking Department of Commerce officials, local elected officials, business leaders and maritime industry experts will gather to present an important program with a special focus on environment, green technology and economics related to the marine realm.
Port of Hueneme “Banana Festival,” 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, Port of Hueneme.
The WVCBA (Chamber) is pleased to announce that the annual State of the Port of Hueneme luncheon will be delivered in-person for the first time since 2019! Attend the luncheon on Thursday, November 10, and hear from Port Commissioner and President Mary Anne Rooney who will share the latest news and updates about one of the biggest economic engines in Ventura County.
To further its commitment to decarbonize operations at the Port of Hueneme, the Oxnard Harbor District voted on December 20th to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide stevedores with the ability to utilize the district’s existing two new electric terminal tractors (eUTR). These eUTRs are funded through a Zero-and Near zero-Emission Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) grant project.
“Last month, my fellow Oxnard Harbor Commissioners and I voted unanimously to put us on a path of pursuing a zero-emission future,” said Jason T. Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District that owns the Port of Hueneme. “Our passage of the MOU signals a strong commitment for the continued support of green infrastructure and equipment use at the Port.”
The Port of Hueneme welcomed California State Transportation Agency Secretary David S. Kim to the Port of Hueneme on Monday, December 6. His visit included discussions with Port workers and customers about how the Port of Hueneme is moving cargo and helping to relieve California’s port congestion.
Secretary Kim also met with Oxnard Harbor Commissioner Jess Herrera, Oxnard Harbor Commissioner Celina Zacarias, CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas and executive level Port officials to discuss how the Port’s growth continues to be one of the strongest economic engines for Ventura County and an environmental leader among the nations’ Ports.
“The Port of Hueneme plays a vital role in California’s transportation system, and I am thankful for the opportunity to see operations up close,” said Secretary Kim. “Governor Gavin Newsom’s Administration is laser-focused on ensuring the efficient movement of goods throughout the state – including the Governor’s executive order specifying actions by state agencies to improve the supply chain – and the Port of Hueneme will continue to be a key part of the state’s freight strategy.”
The Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The Port received this award for its annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year that ended on June 20, 2020.
“The Port of Hueneme is committed to being fiscally responsible. As such, we have a duty to be transparent with stakeholders who have entrusted us with these capabilities,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. “I am especially proud of the team responsible for carrying out the fiduciary responsibilities of the Port with the utmost experience and professionalism,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.
The Port of Hueneme would like to wish your family and loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!
With the support of our amazing Ventura County community, partners, customers, our Port team has been able to provide food and resources to more than 40,000 local families and to distribute more than 1,100,000 pounds of produce (including 2,500 turkeys for this holiday) as we continue to be #CommittedtoCommunity.
Together we will make sure to keep cargo moving, both big and small, throughout our community and the entire globe.
In a unanimous display of support, Oxnard Harbor District Commissioners voted on November 15, 2021, to adopt a resolution to demonstrate their commitment to decarbonizing operations at the Port of Hueneme as part of its pursuit of a zero-emission future.
“Adoption of this resolution shows our long-standing commitment to achieve zero emissions with clean energy and to reach this goal with honesty and integrity to do what is morally right for the planet,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Oxnard Harbor District.
Known as the number one importer of bananas on the West Coast, the Port of Hueneme celebrates this distinction each September by hosting a widely-attended Banana Festival. This year, out of an abundance of caution to guard against the spread of COVID-19, the festival was retooled to be a community block party and food distribution event for residents of the Southwinds neighborhood of Oxnard — marking the Port’s 55th “Committed to Community” food distribution event.
TODAY IS CLEAN AIR DAY!
IT’S OCTOBER 6 – Join us in challenging yourself to create clean air in your community. Take the pledge and agree to switch to a greener energy vehicle, tool or cleaner; vow to plant a tree or start a community garden plot; or reduce your vehicle emissions by walking/biking to work or taking public transit!
Day two of the open house of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) and Coastal Trident programs was a success with over 300 people representing partner organizations attending today’s event at the FATHOMWERX Lab located inside the Port of Hueneme.
Through a competitive process based on merit, eligibility, and the availability of funds, the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District was selected to receive a grant award totaling $5.1 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This Department of Commerce’s EDA investment will provide long-term infrastructure enhancements to maximize facility utilization through dredging in Ventura County — a designated Opportunity Zone.
“This grant award and berth improvement project demonstrate our steadfast commitment to jobs and the environment, once again showing our ability to collectively foster economic growth and environmental stewardship,” said Oxnard Harbor District President, Jason T. Hodge.
When a blueprint is created, it identifies and outlines a plan of action with the big picture in mind. In the case of the Port of Hueneme, their “blueprint project” known as SPARC (Sustainable Power Advancement & Resiliency for our Community) was created to chart a pathway to zero emission operations which is the Port’s overall long-term goal for air quality improvement and climate change adaptation. The plan will include an attainable timeline for the complete transition to a zero emission Port operation.
“This project will be an essential element in charting the Port’s pathway to a zero-emission future as part of the Port’s commitment to being a steward of the local environment,” said Jason Hodge, Oxnard Harbor District President. “The Port recognizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis facing the globe and is undertaking multiple projects to facilitate reducing air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from Port operations.”
Military Appreciation Mixer
Thursday, August 19, 2021
5:00-6:30PM
Channel Islands Maritime Museum
3900 Bluefin Cir, Oxnard, CA 93035
Hosted by the Port of Hueneme
Free admission! Enjoy food and beverages while honoring our military and networking with local leaders and business owners!
Questions: WVCBA (805) 983-6118
Poseidon, known as the ruler of the sea, is oftentimes depicted as carrying a three-pronged spear, known as a trident, for protection. It is fitting that the operational research program created to counter threats to port and maritime security and sustain the global operations of naval forces is named the Coastal Trident.
The program was established 15 years ago to support the Port of Hueneme and local response organizations in addressing the complex nature of threats to port and maritime security. Since then, Coastal Trident has grown in scope and influence and now regularly involves the participation of more than 150 federal, state, local government, academic, and private sector organizations.
Port of Hueneme made history celebrating the completion of its deepening project, in the works for over two decades. The Port can now proclaim a harbor depth of 40 feet. Joining Port officials was Colonel Julie A. Balten, Commander and District Engineer of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many accolades were given to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her steadfast commitment to secure approximately $20M in federal funds for dredging projects. Also in attendance were Port customers, contractors, the Navy and local, state and federal officials. The project promises to build upon the Port’s mission to create economic and social good by sustainably increasing Port capacity, creating 560 good paying jobs and replenishing local beaches.
Today, Port of Hueneme made history celebrating the completion of its deepening project, a project in the works for over almost two decades. The Port can now proclaim a harbor depth of 40 feet. Joining Port officials was Colonel Julie A. Balten, Commander and District Engineer of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many accolades were given to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her steadfast commitment to secure approximately $20M in federal funds for dredging projects. Also in attendance were Port customers, contractors, the Navy and local, state and federal officials. The project promises to build upon the Port’s mission to create economic and social good by sustainably increasing Port capacity, creating 560 good paying jobs, and replenishing local beaches.
The Port of Hueneme, in collaboration with 12 other organizations, sponsored and hosted a wheelchair distribution for veterans in need on Friday, June 25, at the Port’s administrative offices. These wheelchairs are part of a larger effort coordinated by Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus, and other organizations in the county.
As the country recovers from the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in racial turbulence and violence adds to the challenges for many Americans. Asian Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans as well as immigrants, people of color, women, and the LGBT+ communities are feeling the direct impacts of this turbulence. To reaffirm the Port of Hueneme’s commitment to equality, the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners recently passed a board resolution to promote tolerance and denounce racism.
“The Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners acknowledges that the recent escalation of racial violence against the AAPI community must be acted upon,” said Board President Jason T. Hodge. “We are a District where people can feel safe and respected and free of harm and this resolution reflects that. We are a diverse working Port and as part of the global economy and local community, we have to incorporate our values into our actions.”
The Port of Hueneme is a World Trade Center licensee, and in concert with our strong team of stakeholders, is hosting this event as part of our overall initiative to advance the businesses of Ventura County and expand their reach into the global marketplace. The focus this year will be on the challenges and opportunities offered by our post-pandemic world.
