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 March 2026)

The Port of Benton has completed several major technical and site-assessment activities to advance the electrification project. This includes the critical JARPA submission to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on April 1, 2026.

Key milestones completed to date include:

• Upland and bathymetric surveys to document existing site conditions both onshore and within the waterway.
• Low, normal, and maximum pool elevation calculations to ensure reliable system performance 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 development, with 30% design plans currently under stakeholder review
• Corrosion assessments and dive inspections at the High Dock to evaluate structural conditions
• Coordination with the City of Richland regarding shoreline impacts
• Completion of a critical areas survey
• Fire line investigation and coordination
• JARPA submission to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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

Upcoming project milestones include:

• Submission of permit applications. Due to the project’s location along the Columbia River, in-water construction is limited to specific seasonal work windows, requiring careful planning
• Completion of 90% design documentation, including detailed plans, specifications, and cost estimates
• Development of corrosion protection plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the High Dock facility
• Material scoping and procurement strategy led by PND Engineers to identify long-lead items and evaluate direct procurement opportunities to reduce costs and minimize on-site construction time

The construction schedule will continue to be refined as design and permitting progress. The current target is to begin upland construction in Q3 2027.

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