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Channel Deepening & Widening

Managing the Physical and Economic Impact of Channel

Deepening and Widening on Surrounding Structures & Pipelines he U.S. economy is growing, with the lift- Facility Capacity ing on the export ban on crude oil in 2015 If dock owners want to take advantage of the expanded opening new markets worldwide. Com- channel and service larger, more ef? cient ships, they need to bined with the Panama Canal expansion that determine the serviceability of their facilities. These larger

T opened in 2016, the reasons are clear why ships typically require additional mooring and berthing ca-

U.S. ports have worked toward increasing pacities, berthing depth and overall size (length and width) the depth and width of their channels to al- adjustments, and at times, modi? cations and/or upgrading of low for larger ships with greater capacities. The equation is the existing mechanical equipment like loading arms, hoses, generally: bigger ships = more throughput = increased pro? t- piping and gangways. For the facility to handle increased ability. structural and throughput loads, owners must undertake stud-

But what are the impacts around a channel after it’s wid- ies like passing vessel analyses, maneuverability assessments, ened? The ripple effects may go further than you think. integrity analyses of existing structures, equipment operation- al envelope studies, mass balance studies and existing compo-

Managing the Impact of Channel Improvement nent condition assessments. These studies can be involved and

Projects on Structures and Pipelines require a methodical process. They often take considerable

With more water to impact them, structures around an ex- time to complete. Facility owners can save time and money panded channel may need improvements, and pipelines under when accounting for these studies early in the planning and the channel may need relocation to make way for dredging. execution stages of channel deepening and widening projects.

Streamlining the process to account for these changes takes a considerable amount of early coordination and collaboration Pipeline Relocation Ripple amongst stakeholders. Countless pipelines and tunnels run underground in and

Many disciplines of expertise are required to make these around shipping channels. Pipelines that may be uncovered or channel deepening projects happen β€” from engineers (coast- disturbed during dredging must be moved, requiring pipeline al, geotechnical, structural, electrical, civil and more) to envi- operators to plan for impacts on their businesses. As with im- ronmental scientists and permitting specialists who help com- pacted terminal facilities and docks, engineering analysis of ply with the federal, state and local regulatory laws to protect soils, environmental mitigation and new permits are required the environment. for each pipeline relocation. From an overall cost and project schedule perspective, there are signi? cant bene? ts in pipeline

Ripples Affecting Docks, Bridges & Bulkhead Structures operators and port authorities working together during data

Many structures are situated on or around shipping chan- acquisition, and particularly in geotechnical and regulatory nels such as dock facilities (including wharf and jetty plat- phases. Early engagement of channel improvement project forms, mooring and breasting structures, approachways and stakeholders and consultants is helpful as pipeline operators catwalks) bridges, navigation towers, coastal ? oodwalls, piers anticipate forecasted pipeline outage times during relocation.

and bulkheads. When channels are expanded, each of these structures is in? uenced by the ripple of more water in a deeper How Is All of This Funded?

and wider channel. As the original built environment changes, A variety of sources β€” public, private and public-private owners of these structures must reassess their structural and partnerships β€” fund channel improvement projects.

geotechnical integrity.

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