Pier 9C Dredging and Expansion

With the introduction of post-Panamax cranes, the Halifax Port Authority needed to employ a new crane rail at their Halterm Container Terminal. The solution? Extending the existing Pier C / Berth 42 to support a 30-metre (98-foot) gauge continuously welded crane rail. The goal: to create additional berths and to provide a new break bulk handling terminal in Halifax.

This major dredging and wharf extension project included the construction of a new concrete crib and steel sheet pile bulkhead continuing the existing Pier 9B. The existing Pier 9C, which needed refurbishment, was encapsulated within the new Pier 9C wharf.

Our geotechnical, environmental, and marine structural engineers provided valuable parameters for the design of the rail’s rock socketed pipe piles, completed an environmental assessment, and developed an environmental management plan. We also provided project management, design, and contract administration for the Pier C extension.

Further services included developing preliminary and detailed design of the new extension, landside crane rail girder analysis and modifications, crane rail extensions and transitions, and cost estimates—including options to reduce costs by several million dollars. We also designed a new truck marshalling area, a truck access gate, new pile-supported rear crane rail foundations, and curved crane rails.

With these extensions and developments in place, the Halifax Port Authority’s operations are better prepared to handle the needs of post-Panamax shipping.