Design and Installation of New Access Platform, Floating Dock and Dolphins
“Spirit of Philadelphia” Cruise Ship at the Chart House Pier in Philadelphia, PA
In 2012 Hydro-Marine Construction Co., Inc. was contracted to provide the construction for a new mooring design for the new location of “Spirit of Philadelphia”. This involved the removal of existing timber pile dolphins, fenders, and cleats, installation of new steel and pile dolphins, construction of new access platform, installation of new cleats and installation of spud piles for the new floating barge dock system for an additional smaller cruise boat to be located at the same pier.
The three (3) new dolphins were constructed of a 14”ø steel king pile and five battered 12”ø timber piles. Two 40’-0” long steel barges anchored with two 10”ø spud piles each were installed to act as a loading dock to allow passengers to embark and disembark from the new cruise boat. A steel platform located at the top of the pier connects the ramps from the floating docks to the top of deck access area.
Strict coordination and scheduling was required to ensure that the installation of all structures came together properly and functioned as intended. All safety precautions were taken and strict adherence to the design criteria was maintained throughout the project. The project started in March 2012 and was completed within six (6) weeks.
