Design completed: 2021

Project: Floating concrete pier approx. 20 m long and 5 m wide, built with heavy-duty pontoons.

Client’s needs & design highlights:

The client required a ferry port serving both permanent residents and summer visitors, with capacity for cargo traffic. Vessels unload from the bow directly onto the end of the pier. The maximum vehicle weight is around 10 tons. The pier allows side docking on both sides. A raised ramp was added to the end of the pier to accommodate vessel height.

The design accounted for impact forces from approaching vessels, and structural features and fendering systems allow the pier to flexibly absorb these loads. The impact of vehicle traffic and wave action on the ramp and pier movement was also tested. Multibeam sonar imaging was used to support underwater design considerations.

Conditions: The site is relatively sheltered from waves and wind.

Safety: The drive-on ramp has a mesh metal surface to prevent slipperiness and allow snow and ice to pass through. The ramp is equipped with a chain boom. The port is equipped with rescue equipment. Multibeam sonar imaging of the anchoring supports monitoring of port’s underwater structures.

Sustainability: The port uses minimal wood and maximizes low-maintenance components. All steel parts are hot-dip galvanized, ensuring long service life and minimal maintenance.