A long overdue Port of Richmond Study is projecting $228 million of repairs just to make the existing infrastructure minimally safe. I want to commend Port Director Charles Gerard for getting this done. Funding,
however,  is a real challenge since the latest budget shows the Port operating at an annual deficit that exceeds $7 million for this current fiscal year.

 

One of the items covered by the study is the Whirley Crane, which Moffat & Nichol are projecting a cost of over $2,500,000 to preserve it in place, which far exceeds any realistic need and may not have been
well thought out. The crane was designed to lift 170,000 lbs., or 85 tons, which it never will again. Even with corrosion deterioration, there are tons of redundancy built into the crane design. It is now 90 years old and has withstood nearly 100 years of
seismic events and wind loads with no damage. It is not in danger of falling due to seismic or wind forces. When it was moved, it did not fit the rail spacing at its new location, and new, engineered reinforced concrete supports were constructed to support
the eastern rails. Moffat & Nicol failed to recognize that.

 

The Whirley Carne does need painting, and the industrial painting contractor that recently repainted the Riggers Loft estimated $800,000 for repainting, including enclosures and lead-based paint abatement.

 

Whirley Crane CW-3205 was manufactured by Clyde Iron of Duluth, MN, sold to Mason Walch Atkinson Kier Co. and shipped to Grand Coulee Dam in Coulee City, Washington in January 1935, then finally relocated
to Todd California Shipbuilding Corp. in Richmond, California in August 1941, where it was used, along with dozens of similar cranes, to build 747 ships in the world’s largest and most productive shipyard during World War II.

 

In 2000, Whirley Crane CW-3205, although privately owned, was named by Congress as a part of Rosie the Riveter WW II Homefront National Historical Park. In 2001, the owner, Levin-Richmond Terminal Corporation
notified the superintendent of Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park that the crane was surplus and would be scrapped unless it could be removed and donated to the park or the City of Richmond. Following authorization by the Richmond
City Council on June 17, 2003, a two year process began to plan for the relocation.

 

The logistics were formidable for the 200-ton self-propelled rolling crane which had to be lifted by another much larger crane and transported approximately ½ mile by barge and then lifted onto a new foundation.
The project was undertaken by Rosie the Riveter Trust and the National Park Service, and on November 2, 2005, Whirley Crane CW-3205 was successfully relocated to the historic area of former Shipyard #3 and conveyed to the City of Richmond for permanent exhibit
as a part of the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park, using approximately $150,000 in donated cash and in- kind services.

 

The following was adopted June 17, 2003 (Item M-3) by the City Council, the Minutes reading as follows:

 

In the matter to consider the feasibility and costs associated with moving, housing, preserving, and issuing relocation and preservation of Whirley Crane #2 from the Levin-Richmond Terminal. There was no discussion
from the audience. On motion Councilmember Belcher, seconded by Councilmember Griffin approved the feasibility and costs by the unanimous vote of the Council.

 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FACILITATE ACQUISITION, TRANSPORTATION AND
RELOCATION OF WHIRLEY CRANE #2 FOR INTERPRETIVE USE IN THE ROSIE THE RIVETER WORLD WAR II HOME FRONT NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

 

 

WHEREAS, The Whirley cranes at former shipyard 1 (now Levin-Richmond Terminal) are considered historic structures and are specifically listed in the legislation
creating Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park (Section 3(b)(2)):

 

(b) Cooperative Agreements.–

(2) Limited agreements.–The Secretary may consult and enter

into cooperative agreements with interested persons for

interpretation and technical assistance with the preservation

of–

A) the Ford Assembly Building;

(B) the intact dry docks/basin docks and five

historic structures at Richmond Shipyard #3;

(C) the Shimada Peace Memorial Park;

(D) Westshore Park;

(E) the Rosie the Riveter Memorial;

(F) Sheridan Observation Point Park;

(G) the Bay Trail/Esplanade;

(H) Vincent Park; and

(I) the vessel S.S. RED OAK VICTORY, and
Whirley Cranes associated with Shiipbuilding in Richmond.

 

and,

 

WHEREAS, the two cranes at Levin Terminals are Serial numbers CW-3204 and CW-3205.  Both were sold originally to Mason Walch Atkinson Kier Co. and shipped to
Coulee Dam in Coulee City, Washington in January 1935.  CW-3204 was relocated to Todd California Shipbuilding Corp. in Richmond, California in August 1941, and CW-3205 was relocated to Parr-Richmond Terminal Co. in Richmond, California in September 1963, and,

 

WHEREAS, the Richmond General Plan includes provisions for preserving and protecting historic resources:

 

• LU-A.5: Preserve and enhance existing
  cultural^[1] and artistic artifacts and
  resources in the City (Same as Community Facilities Element Policy CF-K.2).^[2]

 

• CF-K.2: Preserve and enhance existing
  cultural and artistic artifacts and resources in the City (Same as Land Use Element Policy LU-A.5).^[3]

 

• OSC-E.2 Protect notable
  historic, archaeological and cultural sites from destruction.^[4]

 

and,

 

WHEREAS, on July 27, 1999, the City Council unanimously passed Resolution 129-99 expressing support for the proposed Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park and committing
the City of Richmond and the National Park Service to a partnership, and,

 

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2001, the Richmond Historic Preservation Advisory Committee forwarded to the Richmond City Council a recommendation that the Whirley cranes
be designated a Richmond Historic Resource. A public hearing was held June 5, 2001,and,

 

WHEREAS, in a letter dated June 5, 2001, Gary Levin of Levin-Richmond Terminal Corporation wrote to Judy Hart, Superintendent of the Rosie the Riveter WW II Home
Front National Historical Park offering to donate crane #2 to the National Park Service to be used as a display at the Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park. Crane #2 has more intact original components than the other remaining crane,
No. 3, and,

 

WHEREAS, because of the commitment from Levin-Richmond to donate the cranes to the National Park Service, the City Council, at Levin’s request, held off on designating
the cranes as Richmond Historic Resources, and,

 

WHEREAS, crane #2 became available for transfer in late 2002, but the implementation of a relocation plan has faltered due to a failure of all the involved parties
(Levin, City of Richmond Port and City Attorney, National Park Service and Manson Construction) to agree on such things as transfer location, insurance and indemnities, and,

 

WHEREAS, The City of Richmond has an opportunity to work proactively with the National Park Service, Levin-Richmond Terminal, Hanson Construction and others to
relocate and preserve Whirley crane #2.

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Richmond authorizes the City Manager to facilitate an agreement among the parties that would result
in successful relocation of Whirley Crane #2 for use as an interpretive exhibit in the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical park

 

 

I certify that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the Members of the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on _________________by the following vote:

 

 

AYES:

 

 

NOES:

 

 

ABSTENTIONS:

 

 

ABSENT:

 

APPENDIX B

 

The following was adopted May 18, 2004 by the City Council, the Minutes reading as follows:

 

In the matter to consider authorizing placement of Whirley Crane No. 2 at the Point Potrero Terminal. The following individual spoke on the matter: Vice Mayor Griffin, seconded by Councilmember Viramontes adopted
Resolution No. 80-04 authorizing placement of Whirley Crane No. 2 at the Point Potrero Terminal by the unanimous vote of the Council.

 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE RELOCATION OF WHIRLEY CRANE #2 FOR INTERPRETIVE USE IN THE
ROSIE THE RIVETER WORLD WAR II HOME FRONT NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

 

WHEREAS, The Whirley cranes at former Shipyard 1 (now Levin-Richmond Terminal) are considered historic structures and are specifically listed in the legislation
creating Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park (Section 3(b)(2)):

 

(b) Cooperative Agreements.–

(2) Limited agreements.–The Secretary may consult and enter

into cooperative agreements with interested persons for

interpretation and technical assistance with the preservation

of–

A) the Ford Assembly Building;

(B) the intact dry docks/basin docks and five

historic structures at Richmond Shipyard #3;

(C) the Shimada Peace Memorial Park;

(D) Westshore Park;

(E) the Rosie the Riveter Memorial;

(F) Sheridan Observation Point Park;

(G) the Bay Trail/Esplanade;

(H) Vincent Park; and

(I) the vessel S.S. RED OAK VICTORY, and
Whirley Cranes associated with Shipbuilding in Richmond.

and,

 

WHEREAS, the two cranes at Levin Terminals are Serial numbers CW-3204 and CW-3205.  Both were sold originally to Mason Walch Atkinson Kier Co. and shipped to
Coulee Dam in Coulee City, Washington in January 1935.  CW-3204 was relocated to Todd California Shipbuilding Corp. in Richmond, California in August 1941, and CW-3205 was relocated to Parr-Richmond Terminal Co. in Richmond, California in September 1963, and,

 

WHEREAS, the Richmond General Plan includes provisions for preserving and protecting historic resources:

 

• LU-A.5: Preserve and enhance existing
  cultural^[5] and artistic artifacts
  and resources in the City (Same as Community Facilities Element Policy CF-K.2).^[6]

 

• CF-K.2: Preserve and enhance existing
  cultural and artistic artifacts and resources in the City (Same as Land Use Element Policy LU-A.5).^[7]

 

• OSC-E.2 Protect notable
  historic, archaeological and cultural sites from destruction.^[8]

 

and,

 

WHEREAS, on July 27, 1999, the City Council unanimously passed Resolution 129-99 expressing support for the proposed Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park and committing
the City of Richmond and the National Park Service to a partnership, and,

 

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2001, the Richmond Historic Preservation Advisory Committee forwarded to the Richmond City Council a recommendation that the Whirley cranes
be designated a Richmond Historic Resource. A public hearing was held June 5, 2001, and,

 

WHEREAS, in a letter dated June 5, 2001, Gary Levin of Levin-Richmond Terminal Corporation wrote to Judy Hart, Superintendent of the Rosie the Riveter WW II Home
Front National Historical Park offering to donate crane No. 2 to the National Park Service to be used as a display at the Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park. Crane #2 has more intact original components than the other remaining crane,
No. 1, and,

 

WHEREAS, because of the commitment from Levin-Richmond to donate the cranes to the National Park Service, the City Council, at Levin’s request, deferred designating
the cranes as Richmond Historic Resources, and,

 

WHEREAS, crane  No. 2 became available for transfer in late 2002, but the implementation of a relocation plan has faltered due to a failure of all the involved
parties (Levin, City of Richmond Port and City Attorney, National Park Service and Manson Construction) to agree on such things as transfer location, insurance and indemnities, and,

 

WHEREAS, The City of Richmond has an opportunity to work proactively with the National Park Service, Levin-Richmond Terminal, Hanson Construction and others to
relocate and preserve Whirley crane No. 2, and

 

WHEREAS, the Richmond City Council on June 17, 2003, unanimously adopted item M-3, a resolution  “authorizing the City Manager to facilitate acquisition, transportation and relocation of
Whirley crane #2 for interpretive use in the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park, as recorded in the Minutes:”

 

In the matter to consider the feasibility and costs associated with moving, housing, preserving, and issuing relocation and preservation of Whirley Crane #2 from the Levin-Richmond Terminal. There was no discussion
from the audience. On motion Councilmember Belcher, seconded by Councilmember Griffin approved the feasibility and costs by the unanimous vote of the Council.

 

WHEREAS, The City Manager has succeeded in creating an ad hoc committee consisting of representatives of the Port of Richmond, Levin Terminals, Richmond Chamber
of Commerce and the National Park Service who have conceived a plan to move Whirley Crane No. 2 to Point Potrero Marine Terminal at a location in the southeast corner of the easternmost former drydock, and such plan shall be carried out at no expense to the
City of Richmond.

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Richmond authorizes the City of Richmond to provide a location for the permanent installation of
Whirley Crane No. 2 at Point Potrero Marine Terminal and to take possession of the crane for use as an interpretive exhibit in the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park

 

I certify that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the Members of the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on _________________by the following vote:

 

 

AYES:

 

 

NOES:

 

 

ABSTENTIONS:

 

 

ABSENT:

 

 

 

_________________________

Clerk of the City of Richmond

 

 

Approved:

 

 

_________________________

Mayor

 

Approved as to form:

 

 

 

_________________________

City Attorney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________

Clerk of the City of Richmond

 

 

Approved:

 

 

_________________________

Mayor

 

Approved as to form:

 

 

 

_________________________

City Attorney

 

 

Figure 1 – Whirley Crane in service at Richmond shipyards during WWII

 

Figure 2 – Moving the Whirley Crane

Figure 3 – Shotcrete wall to provide support for new track

Just 10 years ago, WJE conducted a much more in-depth review of the Whirley Crane as part of a Historic Structures Report for Shipyard 3 noting “excess capacity.”

Figure 4 – Excerpt from Shipyard 3 Historic Structures Report by WJE

 

Figure 5 – Presentation by Moffat & Nichol substantially overestimates Whirley Crane repair costs

 

Figure 6 – 2025-26 Port Budget shows $7 million + budget deficit

Richmond’s iconic Whirley Crane poses safety hazards: port audit (Richmond Standard)

October 22, 2025

 

 

The Whirley Crane (on right) near the SS Red Oak Victory Ship. (All photos courtesy of the port)

 

Richmond’s iconic Whirley Crane, one of the last visible links to the city’s WWII shipyards, shows significant corrosion and failing secondary parts that create falling-object hazards,
according to an engineering report presented to the City Council on Tuesday. Engineers recommend restricting access around the crane
and deciding whether to stabilize, preserve or remove it.

The crane assessment is part of more than $228 million in repairs and upgrades identified over the next decade to keep Point Potrero Marine Terminal (PPMT) safe and operational, Port
Director Charles Gerard said.

Formerly Shipyard No. 3, PPMT was built in 1941-42 by Henry J. Kaiser as part of Richmond’s wartime shipbuilding effort that produced over 747 vessels. In 2009, a large portion was
redeveloped into a modern roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal. Today, Berths 7 and 8 are leased to Auto Warehousing Company for vehicle imports from Korea and Japan, while Berths 5 and 6, located alongside the Rigger’s Loft building, have seen limited use. The
Graving Basins and Finger Piers remain active for marine operations and house the SS Red Oak Victory.

Because much of the infrastructure dates to the 1940s, the city commissioned Moffatt & Nichol with partners Liftech, ENGEO and Power Engineering Construction to conduct a comprehensive
assessment. The report prioritizes immediate structural repairs at Berths 7–8, including a broken beam, deck settlement, and damaged piles, followed by wharf repairs, fender and mooring replacements, and stormwater/electrical upgrades to improve safety and
environmental performance.

Later phases focus on major rehabilitation and modernization projects that could extend the terminal’s life and prepare it for heavier or diversified cargo operations. Funding would
come from tenant investments, public-private partnerships, state and federal grants, and revenue-backed financing, according to the port director. Repairs at Berths 7–8 are recommended to begin within the next year while staff pursue grant and bond options.

Councilmembers supported moving safety work forward while asking for a deeper look at financing and long-term strategy. A study session will be scheduled in the coming weeks to review
funding options and port priorities.

To read the the city’s presentation to council, go here.
For the full report, go here.

 

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