Port of Hueneme Shatters Record – Closes Out 2019 with 1.65 Million Cargo Tons & 2,201 New Jobs

“The Port is a beacon of opportunity for our County, creating family sustaining jobs that lift our residents into the middle class,” stated Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Herrera. “These record breaking cargo and job numbers mean that more men and women will not have to look far for good paying jobs, and will be able to give their children a great start here in Ventura County.”

“As VCCA’s economic report shows, our Port is one of the few industries actually creating jobs for our County. And, being the Greenest Port in the United States, we are creating them with a focus on reducing environmental impact,” stated Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jason Hodge. “One of our goals is to be the hub of a clean future for our County.”

In 2019, the Port’s locally-grown produce exports, which include: stone fruit, nuts, grapes, frozen potatoes, onions, cheese, citrus, apples, dates, pomegranates, cherries, and pears, realized 66% growth. And, the Port’s automobile import sector grew by 13%. These increases build on the past 8 years of cargo growth at the Port and an impressive 26% growth since 2012.

Andrew Palomares, Port Deputy Executive Director, CFO & CAO reflected on the magnitude of these back to back years of record success stating, “We’re the 4th largest port in a State that’s the 5th largest economy in the world.”

The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. The Port is governed by five locally elected Port Commissioners. The Port moves $9.5 billion in goods each year and consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $1.7 billion in economic activity and creating 15,834 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $119 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.