Point Loma Navy Fuel Pier Replacement

Shimmick replaced the U.S. Navy’s historic fueling pier 180 located at Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego, which has been servicing the fleet since 1907. Shimmick constructed a new double-deck steel pile supported T-shaped fueling pier, located in deeper water outboard of the existing structure. 

The initial phase of the project consisted of relocating the government-owned Marine Mammal Program to a new site, which would otherwise have been impacted by the construction operations, complete with the required facilities to train and maintain the animals.  After completing this major relocation, Shimmick demolished and removed the existing pier structure and related appurtenances; installed new steel pipe piles and a double-deck fueling pier complete with a new fueling system and utilities; and installed an advanced fire suppression system, storm water collection system, and security improvements.

The project also included the construction of mooring dolphins which extended the berthing length of the pier to 1,125 feet and allowing the new pier to support vessels with drafts up to 40 feet.

Shimmick self-performed the construction of the double decker pier, trestle, abutment , three moorings, and breasting dolphins. We also self-performed the pile driving of structural and fender piles using a combination of vibratory and impact pile driving. The pile capacities ranged from 532 to 1,074 KIPS. Additional work included civil site work and mechanical/electrical work, including installation of fuel systems including marine fuel loading arms and commissioning.

Shimmick successfully adhered to the following stringent environmental requirements:

• Protected species protection required turbidity and acoustical monitoring and verification of compliance.
• Special concrete mix designs were required for the harsh environmental conditions.
• Stringent environmental control was required to assure green concrete and cure water did not enter the water.
• Working near and above the water required diligent control to minimize the risk of leaks and spills from equipment as well as preventing deleterious materials from entering the water during demolition.

Notably, the phased construction approach allowed the existing facility to remain operational during construction which will allow this iconic pier to continue to service the US Navy and Coast Guard, without interruption, a task that it has successfully accomplished for over 100 years.

The project was a finalist for the AGC Constructor Award, and AGC awarded Shimmick the First Place for Safety Excellence in the 500,001 to 1,000,000 hours Heavy Civil category.