COPRI Lecture: Design/Constr. of Mooring/Berthing Struct. at Maine Maritime

The ASCE Met Section COPRI chapter presents:

Deisgn and Construction of Mooring and Berthing Structures for the Purpose-Built, National Security Multi-Mission Vessel at Maine Maritime Academy

Speakers: Ben Woodman and Cheryl Coviello, both of GZA GeoEnvironmental

Abstract:

The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) provides training ships to each of the six state maritime academies in the United States. The passing of the National Defense Authorization Act in 2017 authorized MARAD to replace the training ships at five of the academies with new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built vessels. These new National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) will be integrated into the National Defense Reserve Fleet, serving both as advanced academic training platforms for the academies and as assets to support national disaster response efforts, such as hurricane relief, and other essential needs. Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), located in Castine, Maine, is scheduled to receive the third NSMV in March 2026, marking the institution’s fifteenth training vessel since 1941. Preparations for MMA to receive the NSMV required new mooring and berthing structures and pier reconstruction and extension. Construction commenced in 2024 and has scheduled completion dates in the Summer 2026 for receiving the NSMV and in the Spring 2027 for completion of other upgrades and rehabilitation.

This presentation will discuss project challenges and solutions, including the siting of the new mooring dolphins and pier extension; design of pier fendering to meet the NSMV hull requirements and the large tidal range at the site; consideration of sea level change; as well as other technical and non-technical factors which influenced the project.

Speaker Bios:

Ben Woodman is a Construction Manager with GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. He played a key role in the successful execution of a $40 million pier reconstruction at General Dynamics - Bath Iron Works, a nationally recognized leader in shipbuilding and design for the U.S. Navy. He currently serves as Project Manager for the $100 million Pier Upgrades and Waterfront Improvements Project at Maine Maritime Academy, where he oversees multidisciplinary teams, budget performance, and construction execution.

Cheryl Coviello, P.E. is an Associate Principal with GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., and a waterfront structural engineer. She is board certified in Port Engineering through the American Society of Civil Engineer’s (ASCE) Academy of Coastal, Ocean, Port & Navigation Engineers. She is active in ASCE COPRI’s Ports & Harbors Committee and the national subcommittee developing the first national design standard for piers and wharves. Currently, she is the Principal-in-Charge of the $100M Maine Maritime Academy’s Pier Upgrades and Waterfront Improvements Project.

Image courtesty of GZA GeoEnvironmental

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