Marine Projects

With each “bird” weighing in excess of 150,000 lbs, a significant challenge was to produce graceful yet accurate and safe movements. McLaren worked with the owners, designers and prospective fabricators to develop structural and mechanical approaches that could satisfy the project budget, uphold the designer’s vision, allow shops to easily fabricate the structures, and withstand a highly unfavorable environment – an exposed saltwater marine environment within a major shipping lane is hardly ideal for precision servo-controlled mechanics or complex electronics – while delivering a reliable showcase event.

McLaren is providing marine engineering services, including assessment of the potential locations of the research vessels and their facilities, performing site and environmental studies, selecting a preferred location, obtaining regulatory permits and approvals, and designing the associated vessel facilities and pier. In fact, the firm is exploring all feasible alternatives in its waterfront/marine design for this development. The City will develop a public outreach and also involvement program for this project, for which McLaren will supply review documents, presentation materials, and technical assistance.

Demolition was the first phase of the project, and McLaren prepared and submitted the necessary permits and plans. From there, the firm collected data to better familiarize itself with the site and determine requirements for topographic and utility surveys. Geotechnical investigations were to be performed as needed. Replacement design for the pier and adjacent bulkhead track is next. McLaren will provide alternate schematic design plans based upon the planned use of the pier. Site/civil work is key in the pier design, and services include: grading and paving plans; wastewater collection system; stormwater drainage and management system; and erosion control plan. McLaren will then provide construction management services, from bid phase to construction inspection.

McLaren performed above water and underwater inspection of the wharf, which comprises a low-level relieving platform. The firm then provided preliminary and final design services with construction cost estimates for rehabilitation and life cycle cost analysis. Because the facility is an old, pile-supported structure, McLaren was exposed to and developed solutions for a range of conditions – in consideration of environmental regulations. Repairs included concrete encasement of deteriorated piles, replacement of failed timber members, and installation of a new timber fender system to accommodate large ship berthing. McLaren also provided permitting support and construction management services, including bid phase support.

McLaren provided the above and underwater inspection of piers and bulkheads; developed and implemented a geotechnical program to evaluate soil conditions; carried out a site/civil inspection, which included a site inventory concerning utilities; performed feasibility studies for water-related activities (i.e. fishing piers, water taxi landings, ferry terminals, waterfront esplanade); and provided waterfront permitting services. In addition, McLaren performed the detailed design for maintenance repairs to the seawall and shoreline stabilization, created construction documents, provided cost estimates and construction support, including bid assistance. McLaren is currently assisting the client in developing the property for residential uses, with the goal of maximizing the number of residential units that face the Manhattan skyline. McLaren will be involved with future design and construction management.