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Navy Awards Contract to Replace Fuel Pier at Craney Island

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110919-12
9/19/2011

By Tom Kreidel, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic awarded a $28.8 million contract Sept. 12 to McLean Contracting Company of Glen Burnie, Md., to replace Fuel Pier D at Craney Island, Va.

According to project manager Bob Read of NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic's Hampton Roads Integrated Product Team, the new pier replaces one that was built in 1942. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), who owns the facility, is funding this project.

"It's now almost 70 years old and has experienced decreased load bearing capacity," he said. "A new pier is necessary to continue the facility's vital fueling operations of naval vessels."

He added that the new pier will have a smaller footprint, but will be capable of supporting larger ships. The smaller footprint reduces installation, future maintenance and repair costs. The new construction will recycle existing steel and concrete as much as possible. State-of-the-art steel rebar coating will provide optimal corrosion protection, while improved piping and fuel arm location will make the new pier more efficient.

"These sorts of projects are absolutely vital as part of DLA's commitment to support both the warfighter and stewardship excellence. Maintaining facilities that support our DoD strategic energy mission is a significant part of that effort, and DLA is proud to be part of the resourcing solution that makes these sorts of upgrades happen," said Army Lt. Col. Martine Kidd, DLA Energy Americas East commander.

The project will be divided into several phases to allow the pier's refueling operations to continue throughout the construction. The project will begin with the demolition of the north half of the existing pier, followed by construction of the new north section. Once that process is complete, it will be repeated in the southern half of the pier.

In addition to the pier work, the project includes restoration of the rip rap, the rock wall along the shoreline that absorbs the impact of waves.

"We're not only putting in a new pier, we're improving the entire site, making it ready for the next 70 years," said Read.

Construction will begin soon and is expected to be completed by summer 2014.