UC San Diego’s Scripps Institute Completes Pier and Wharf Upgrade
Photo via Marathon Construction
The Nimitz Marine Facility (MarFac) in Port Loma, CA completed a five-year, $20.9 million rehabilitation project. MarFac is the home port and technical support center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of California San Diego research facility and deep-sea research vessels. The prior wharf and pier were 48 years old and in need of technological and environmental upgrades. The revitalization project was through a collaborative effort between the U.S. Navy, the Office of Naval Research, UC San Diego Construction Management and Marathon Construction, who actually built the first pier 48 years ago.
“The Nimitz Marine Facility is now well positioned to serve as America’s Finest oceanographic support center for the next half-century and beyond,” said Bruce Appelgate, head of Scripps Ship Operations and Marine Technical Support.
Photo via Scripps Institute of Oceanography
The pier was designed by marine facility consultant, Ben C. Gerwick, Inc. and Triton Engineers. Marathon Construction removed the existing pier and wharf and then began construction on the new pier installing over 120 concrete piles and over 100 new fenders. Utility and storm water upgrades were also made along with new paving and striping. Marine Structures was contracted by Marathon Construction to provide new, double bitt bollards and cleats to the project in order to complete the pier upgrade.
The new 30k square foot facility can berth up to seven ships at a time. In addition to Scripps Research Vessels, MarFac also supports other vessels in the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) when they visit San Diego. The upgrade will enable the Scripps Institute its ability to continue research related to worldwide impacts on the environment and national security.
Photo via Scripps Institute of Oceanography
Marine Structures provides maritime mooring bollards, cleats and extruded fenders for maritime contractors worldwide. Founded in 2012, Marine Structures’ mission is to provide marine contractors and corporations with quality marine products at an affordable price.
