October 21, 2025
Economic Development
Port
DATE: October 21, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Charles Gerard, Port Director
Lizeht Zepeda, Senior Business Assistance Officer
Kyle Lam, Management Analyst
Subject:
Point Potrero Marine Terminal Facilities Assessment and Presentation
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to receive this presentation and report.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
May 6, 2025
October 22, 2024
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Port of Richmond has completed a comprehensive
condition assessment of the Point Potrero Marine
Terminal (PPMT). Moffatt & Nichol, with support from
Liftech Consultants, ENGEO, and Power Engineering
Construction, has finalized the report and will present the completed assessment to City Council.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: RECEIVE and ACCEPT the completed Point Potrero Marine Terminal Condition Assessment Report and
Presentation, prepared by Moffatt & Nichol and
supporting consultants – Economic Development/Port
(Charles Gerard 510-620-6792/Lizeht Zepeda 510-620-
6653/Kyle Lam 510-620-6802).
AGENDA
REPORT
October 21, 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. Much of the underlying infrastructure supporting these facilities dates back to the 1940s, which led to the need for a comprehensive assessment of its condition, safety, and capacity to support ongoing and future operational needs.
On October 22, 2024, the City Council approved a contract with Moffatt & Nichol to conduct a comprehensive condition assessment of PPMT. As the prime consultant, Moffatt & Nichol coordinated the work of supporting partners Liftech Consultants, ENGEO, and Power Engineering Construction. The team carried out structural inspections, geotechnical analysis, constructability reviews, and cost estimating.
That work is now complete. The final report provides the City with:
A detailed condition assessment of wharves, piers, and graving basins. Immediate repairs required to address safety risks and maintain operations. Medium-term reinvestments to stabilize and extend the life of facilities. Long-term redevelopment opportunities, including modernization of Berths 5 and 6 and strategies to expand Port revenue capacity.
Estimated costs and phasing options to guide capital planning over the next five to ten years.
Frameworks for pursuing external funding, including state and federal grant opportunities.
The report can be accessed at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/76968/ The completed assessment concludes the consultant’s contracted scope of work. With this report accepted, the City now has a roadmap to guide strategic reinvestment in PPMT. These findings will shape budget planning, position the Port for competitive grant funding, and serve as the foundation for the Port’s long-term vision to modernize facilities, safeguard jobs, and strengthen Richmond’s role in the regional maritime economy.
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
This assessment and completed report aligns with the City Council’s Priority 2.5:
Revitalization of the Port. The findings provide a roadmap for maintaining and modernizing critical maritime infrastructure while advancing broader City Council
October 21, 2025
priorities, including economic development, fiscal sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community benefits. The assessment positions the Port to pursue external funding opportunities and implement phased improvements that reinforce Richmond’s long-term vision for a competitive, resilient, and community-serving Port.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Point Potrero Marine Terminal Condition Assessment Cover Letter and Executive Summary
Attachment 2 – Presentation
Attachment 3 (link) – Point Potrero Marine Terminal Condition Assessment Report (www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/76968/)