en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Henderson County Riverport Authority held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Kentucky to announce the official opening of its bulk dock and the introduction of a Sennebogen 865E Hybrid electric material handler, enabling direct port operations at the dock.
According to the port authority, the electric material handler is expected to improve operational efficiency while supporting the modernization of infrastructure. Officials stated that the addition of the bulk dock aims to expand the port's capacity to serve regional industries and support economic activity along the Ohio River. Port Authority Executive Director Ben Weithman said the electric model was chosen partly due to Kentucky's lower electricity costs compared to diesel, as well as growing customer interest in reducing carbon emissions within the supply chain.
The new material handler works in conjunction with the port's existing 125-ton cable crane, allowing the facility to unload two barges simultaneously for the first time in decades. Weithman noted that this added capacity has become increasingly important as freight patterns have shifted over the years. While the port has historically handled large volumes of outbound commodities such as grain, coal, petroleum coke, and scrap, officials said inbound freight volumes have grown significantly. The ability to berth and unload two barges at the same time is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and provide redundancy during equipment maintenance or repairs.
Weithman also pointed out that the expanded handling capacity will help the port manage seasonal freight peaks, particularly during the 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 Representative J.T. Payne, and State Senator Robby Mills. The project is part of an ongoing effort to increase capacity and support long-term growth and logistics operations in the region.
The Henderson County Riverport is located on the Ohio River in western Kentucky, providing distribution and warehousing services for a variety of materials and goods. The port handles bulk commodities including coal, petroleum coke, gravel, sand, lime, fertilizer, and grain, as well as packaged products such as steel pipe, wire rod, aluminum, zinc, and manufactured goods. According to the Riverport Authority, the facility provides transportation, cargo handling, and warehousing services for regional industries.
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