New Auto Import Pier Designed for SPMTs Readies Rhode Island for Offshore Wind Support

Abstract: The Port of Davisville is Rhode Island’s largest marine terminal and amongst the nation’s top automobile importers. To further its strategic growth in the burgeoning US Northeast offshore wind (OSW) market, Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) is executing a new design-build multipurpose terminal that accommodates roro-based automobile imports; enables ship-to-shore movements for storing, assembling, preparing, and transiting OSW components; and facilitates Rhode Island’s Blue Economy. This paper illustrates the critical planning considerations and design optimizations adopted by the project team, especially with regards to the OSW cargo handling operations, which ultimately enabled timely execution of the multidisciplinary project.

The primary component of the new Terminal 5 (T5) project is construction of a 1200-foot-long facility which includes breasting/mooring dolphins and a 690-foot-long pile-supported pier capable of supporting side and stern ship berthing at its north and east ends, respectively. The pier is primarily designed to support 2,500 psf loading from OSW cargo-handling Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), but also has areas of 1,000 psf loading for general cargo and automobile imports. To support the Blue Economy, which consists of water-dependent industries such as commercial aquaculture, fishing, and marine transportation, the project scope also includes the construction of a small boat pier, boat ramp, and floating docks south of the T5 pier. Dredging of the berths and both T5 and the Blue Economy facilities will be performed to provide the necessary depths for vessel demands, with the potential to dredge the main T5 berths deeper as vessel drafts increase.

This paper and presentation will discuss the (1) a history of the Port’s master plan vision, (2) background and decision to utilize the design-build construction delivery method, and (3) unique approaches to the design (e.g. pile size, live load criteria, use of latest PIANC fender guidelines) to optimize costs and deliver within budget. The project is in construction and anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2025.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: The new facility will be the most robust and flexible piece of port infrastructure at the Port of Davisville, showcasing how QDC, as a port owner, is addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure, expanding for existing and new cargo opportunities, and future proofing the facility. Terminal 5 will be capable of handling almost any type of breakbulk, including offshore wind components, and can accommodate offloading cargo from the side and from the stern of vessels. Furthermore, the facility will be built with the necessary infrastructure to incorporate ship-to-shore electrical power in the future.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: The new facility at the Port was delivered using the design-build method-- a first for the Port of Davisville. The contractor and engineer worked with the precast supplier to optimize the design for strength, durability and field production efficiency. Additional design strategies from the engineer to balance requirements from the design criteria versus construction included: use of the new PIANC fender standards, re-evaluating live loads and load cases, and refining the environmental criteria through a more detailed coastal analysis.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: The design-build method for procuring the project was primarily chosen for its speed and to allow cost optimization from the design-builder team. However, the final facility layout required revisions after the 50% design submission. To mitigate impacts, the owner, contractor, and engineer worked together at regular in-person and remote meetings to balance cost, function, and engineering to achieve the ultimate facility goals.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: While the paper will present many technical challenges and solutions of interest to port, coastal, and marine engineers, it will also provide lessons learned in alternative delivery methods for contractors and operators. In addition, the challenges of managing and developing a multifunctional terminal to meet ever changing industry demands will be relevant to port developers, administrators, and executives.