Port of Benton has received a Port Electrification Program Grant to support the installation of zero-emission shore-side power infrastructure at its Barge Complex in North Richland. This initiative will expand the port’s mooring capacity, provide modern shore-power connections for a wider range of vessels, and help meet growing demand from current and future maritime customers. By reducing emissions and supporting cleaner, more efficient operations, the project strengthens the port’s long-term sustainability and enhances its ability to serve commercial, industrial, and passenger vessel users. PND Engineers has been selected as the design firm, and project development is actively progressing.

Completed Work (as of December, 2025)

The Port of Benton has completed several major technical and site-assessment activities necessary to advance the electrification project, including:

• Upland and bathymetric surveys to document existing site conditions both onshore and within the waterway.
• Low, normal, and maximum pool elevation calculations to ensure the shore-power system performs reliably under varying river levels.
• Cultural resource assessment to meet regulatory and permitting requirements.
• Geotechnical investigations to determine subsurface conditions and inform pile and foundation design.

• Preliminary siting and layout work, with 30% design plans currently being reviewed by stakeholders

After evaluating multiple options, the high dock was selected as the preferred location for delivering shore power. This site offers the best overall value, flexibility, and long-term usability. The deployment concept includes in-water components, such as new piles, a gangway, and a floating platform capable of supporting a wide range of vessels, from large Columbia River cruise ships to smaller tugboats, maximizing operational efficiency and compatibility.

Next Steps

The next project milestones include:

• 30% design review, which will inform both in-water and shoreline permitting.
• Submission of permit applications, a detailed process due to the project’s location along the Columbia River. In-water construction is restricted to specific seasonal work windows, requiring careful planning.
• Final geotechnical report, which will refine pile requirements and structural needs.
• Material scoping and procurement strategy, led by PND Engineers, to identify potential long-lead items and evaluate whether certain materials should be procured directly by the port to reduce cost and minimize on-site construction time.

The construction schedule will continue to be refined as design and permitting progress. Current target: begin upland construction in Q4 2026.

For additional information or questions, please contact the Port of Benton.