Development of New DOD 'Hybrid' General Purpose/Repair Pier Type Category

Abstract: Currently UFC 4-152-01,

Design: Piers and Wharves (2017) provides a definition and category for four general types of piers/wharves based on the expected function and mission. The categories consist of:
• Type I – Fueling, Ammunition, and Supply
• Type II – General Purpose Berthing (general berthing at most installations)
• Type III – Repair (shipyards, dedicated repair berths, heavy industrial maintenance)
• Type IV – Specialized (MSF, training, small craft, specialized vessels)

The DoD has identified a need to create a new sub-category of pier/wharf that would fit between a Type II - General Purpose Berthing pier and a Type III - Repair pier. The new pier/wharf sub-category will support the growing demand for berthing space to provide vessel repair and maintenance operations at a general berthing DoD installation and outside a normal shipyard environment. This “Hybrid General Purpose/Repair” pier/wharf will incorporate features to support ship repair/maintenance functions beyond typical berthing general berthing pier/wharf activities such as personnel transfer, crew training, cargo transfer, and waste handling. The “Hybrid” pier/wharf will be similar to a Type II General Purpose Berthing pier/wharf with enhanced features to support more advanced ship maintenance and repair similar to a Type III Repair pier/wharf, but does not meet the full requirements of a Type III Repair pier/wharf.

This paper will summarize the requirements of the DoD UFCs, (Unified Facilities Criteria), NAVSEA, and other DoD shore facility requirements that define pier/wharf features to support general berthing and enhanced ship repair/maintenance including length, width, dredge depth, slip width, deck capacity, crane operations, utilities, fire protection, etc. Pier/wharf features will be categorized as being a requirement for 1) Type II General Purpose Berthing, 2) Type III Repair, or 3) other factors that are independent of pier/wharf type, such as vessel type that will operate at a pier/wharf. Evaluation of Type III Repair requirements will be presented, identifying which requirements will be incorporated in the “Hybrid” pier/wharf. This paper will discuss lessons learned from the June 2020 fire that severely damaged the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while berthed at Naval Base San Diego Pier 2. In particular, updates to the NAVSEA 8010 Industrial Ship Safety Manual for Fire Prevention and Response as a result of the fire that will be incorporated in to the “Hybrid” pier/wharf definition will be identified. This paper will explain a rationale about defining a “Hybrid” pier/wharf and summarize proposed changes to the UFC 4-152-01 to add the “Hybrid” type category. A Type IIA is proposed by the DoD that may be a fully “Hybrid” pier/wharf with only selected features or berths that meet Type III requirements.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: This paper summarizes a proposed update to the UFC 4-152-01 to create a “Hybrid” pier/wharf type definition, which has been developed to address a need of the DoD. It is anticipated that this new “Hybrid” type will be utilized by the industry supporting DoD projects in the future.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Yes, this topic defines a new type of pier/wharf for inclusion in UFC 4-152-01 and other UFC and DoD documents.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: The most challenging aspect of this topic was identifying all the different requirements provided in the UFCs and NAVSEA documents, categorizing them as a requirement of 1) Type II General Purpose Berthing, 2) Type III Repair, or 3) Other, and then selecting which requirements apply to the new “Hybrid” type pier/wharf.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: DoD planning and engineering groups and industry engineers that support DoD projects.