May 6, 2025
Economic Development
Port
DATE: May 6, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Charles Gerard, Port Director
Subject:
Initial Findings of Point Potrero Marine Terminal Facilities Assessment
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to receive this presentation.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
October 22, 2024
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Port of Richmond is undertaking a facilities
assessment of the Point Potrero Marine Terminal (PPMT)
to evaluate the condition of critical maritime
infrastructure. Moffatt & Nichol, the consultant team, will provide an initial presentation of their findings to City Council.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE a presentation from Port of Richmond staff and
Moffatt & Nichol regarding the initial findings of the
facilities assessment at Point Potrero Marine Terminal – Economic Development Department (Charles Gerard
510-620-6792).
AGENDA
REPORT
May 6, 2025
DISCUSSION:
Point Potrero Marine Terminal (PPMT), formerly Shipyard No. 3, is a historically significant site within the Port of Richmond. Developed between 1941 and 1942 by Henry J. Kaiser. It was one of four Richmond shipyards that collectively produced over 747 vessels during World War II. In 2009, a large portion of the terminal was redeveloped into a modern Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) terminal, marking its transition from a wartime industrial complex to a contemporary maritime facility.
The terminal today consists of multiple operational zones. Berths 5 and 6 alongside the Riggers Loft building have seen limited use over the past few decades. Berths 7 and 8 are currently leased to Auto Warehousing Company (AWC) for the import of vehicles from Korea and Japan. The Graving Basins and Finger Piers are used for berthing and operations of active commercial marine businesses and for the lay-berthing of the Red Oak Victory at Basin 5. The underlying infrastructure supporting these facilities dates back to the 1940s and requires a comprehensive evaluation to assess its condition and capacity to support ongoing and future operational needs.
The purpose of this assessment is to provide a detailed understanding of the current condition of Point Potrero Marine Terminal’s (PPMT) wharves, piers, and graving basins; to identify critical repairs and long-term infrastructure needs; to evaluate opportunities for operational expansion; and to help the City strategically plan phased investments over the next five to ten years.
Key objectives include:
Conducting thorough structural and geo-technical inspections Identifying safety risks and capital improvement needs Estimating costs for necessary upgrades and future development Developing a prioritized list of projects to guide strategic reinvestment Aligning infrastructure planning with operational and economic goals Establishing a framework for future grant applications and funding strategies
Port staff contracted with Moffatt & Nichol, as approved by the City Council on October 22, 2024, to lead a comprehensive facilities assessment. As the prime consultant, Moffatt & Nichol is responsible for inspecting and assessing the graving basins and finger piers, as well as coordinating the work of the supporting team. The firm brings extensive experience in modernizing historic shipyards, including previous projects at Mare Island Graving Docks and Hunters Point Shipyard. Supporting partners include Liftech Consultants, ENGEO, and Power Engineering Construction. Liftech Consultants is leading the structural assessment of Berths 5 through 8 and the Whirley Crane, and previously serving as the engineer-of-record for the 2012 repair project. ENGEO is conducting geotechnical assessments. While Power Engineering Construction is providing inspection access (including marine and confined-space entry), constructability review, and cost estimating.
This assessment will guide future capital improvement planning and funding efforts. It will identify immediate safety repairs, outline necessary upgrades to support ongoing
May 6, 2025
operations, and recommend long-term improvements to increase Port revenue. The project will also deliver an inspection and maintenance program to extend the life and functionality of key Port assets.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Presentation