Henderson County Riverport opens bulk dock operations

Credit: Henderson County Riverport Authority

The Henderson County Riverport Authority in Kentucky recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its bulk dock for direct port operations and the arrival of a new Sennebogen 865E Hybrid electric material handler.

According to the port, the electric material handler is expected to improve operational efficiency while supporting infrastructure modernization efforts. Officials said the addition of the bulk dock is intended to expand the port’s ability to serve regional industries and support economic activity along the Ohio River.

Ben Weithman, executive director of the port, said the decision to purchase the electric model was driven in part by lower electricity costs compared to diesel fuel in Kentucky, as well as growing customer interest in reducing carbon emissions across supply chains.

The new material handler, combined with the port’s existing 125-ton cable crane, now allows the facility to unload two barges simultaneously for the first time in decades.

Weithman said the added capability is increasingly important as freight patterns have shifted over the years. While the port historically handled larger volumes of outbound commodities such as grain, coal, petroleum coke and scrap, officials said inbound freight volumes have grown significantly.

The ability to moor and unload two barges at once is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion and provide redundancy when equipment maintenance or repairs are needed.

Weithman also noted that the expanded handling capacity will help the port manage seasonal spikes in cargo traffic, particularly during spring and fall fertilizer seasons, which account for nearly 30% of the port’s annual commodity tonnage.

The event brought together local and state officials, business partners and community members. Speakers included Rocky Adkins, Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider, State Rep. J.T. Payne and State Sen. Robby Mills.

The project is part of ongoing efforts to increase capacity and support long-term growth and logistics operations in the region.

Located on the Ohio River in western Kentucky, Henderson County Riverport provides distribution and storage services for a range of materials and cargo.

The port handles bulk commodities including coal, petroleum coke, gravel, sand, lime, fertilizers and grain, as well as packaged products such as steel pipe, steel wire rod, aluminum, zinc and manufactured goods.

According to the Riverport Authority, the facility offers transportation, cargo handling and warehousing services for regional industries.