One element of the Port’s economic mission to enhance revenue producing operations.
Safe Mooring for Large Ships
Bringing together ships and land – one designed to move and the other not.
Preserving Marine Commerce. A key goal of the Port of Bellingham is economic vitality for the Whatcom County and the region. The Port strives to invest strategically in their aging marine infrastructure to promote economic prosperity. The Port’s Shipping Terminal provides a wide range of commercial uses and consists of an active marine terminal and other aged structures such as the Chemical Dock that are no longer in use. Reid Middleton performed a condition assessment of the Shipping Terminal Pier and Bulkhead, Chemical Dock, and Mooring Dolphins at the facility and a life cycle alternatives analysis to determine the best approach for repair or replacement of infrastructure at the Shipping Terminal facility. The condition assessment included investigation of timber, steel, and concrete elements for the piers, access structures, and mooring systems. Cost estimates and recommendations for repairs for the various structures were prepared. A load capacity analysis based on existing conditions was prepared and presented in simple colored graphic format for operational use at the facility. Following the analysis, repair of the existing timber multi-pile mooring dolphins was selected as a high priority, and Reid Middleton performed design, prepared permit and construction documents, and performed construction administration services for the repair of the mooring system at the Shipping Terminal, improving mooring safety for the large vessels at the facility.