Center Wharf Expansion, MOTSU (Phase 1)

Center Wharf Expansion, MOTSU (Phase 1)

Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point is the largest ammunition distribution facility in the nation and the Army’s primary East Coast deepwater port. The terminal lies between the small town of Boiling Spring Lakes, North Carolina, and the Cape Fear River a few miles upstream of Fort Johnston and the small city of Southport, North Carolina. It serves as a transfer point between rail, trucks, and ships for the import and export of weapons, ammunition, explosives and military equipment for United States Army. It is the key ammunition shipping point on the Atlantic Coast for the Department of Defense and the Army's primary east coast deep-water port.

This project supported the expansion of the Center Wharf at the MOTSU, and the upgrade of overall facilities. Improvements to the 2,000-foot center wharf include expanding its width by 20 feet and tearing down the high dock on the waterfront side to accommodate two new 80-foot ship-to-shore container cranes that was installed in 2012. The result of the improvements to Center Wharf increased the speed and volume of ammunition that can be moved through the port, simultaneously reducing the amount of time ammunition ships spend berthed at the port. Ground was broken in October 2008 and stayed on track despite unique challenges. Don Parker, deputy commander of the 596th Transportation Brigade and MOTSU, said, “CASHMAN-Republic has done an outstanding job keeping the project on or ahead of schedule.” 


PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Pier expanded 93,000 square feet in a 2-year period. 
  • Significant demolition of an existing structure was required. 
  • Over 1,500 24-square inch piles driven in a 9-month period. 
  • Piles were 65 feet in length, composed of steel and concrete. 
  • Installation of rail to support three 80-long-ton-rated post-Panamax gantry cranes to handle containerized cargo and allow simultaneous loading of multiple ships. 
  • Installation of 4,000 linear feet of new seaside CIP beam. 
  • Concrete crane beam / slab installed waterside (7,000 CY) and landside (7,000 CY). 
  • Construction of a 3,000-square-foot, 2-story superstructure atop the pile-supported deck. 
  • Installed fenders / bollards rated for post-Panamax cargo ships. 

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Details
USACE Wilmington District
$56 million
July 2008 - October 2010
Services
• HEAVY CIVIL & MARINE CONSTRUCTION
• PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Location