Ports & Harbors
Overall Layouts, Breakwater Protection, Navigation Entrance Channels & Turning Basins, and Berthing Facilities
Listed below are many of the projects we’ve completed for our clients over the years. We’ve chosen to focus and expand on several key examples which are highlighted in blue. Clicking on those projects allows you to view in-depth what services NCI provided as well as details on the project itself.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW PROJECTS
Port Hueneme, CA
NCI performed a reconnaissance study to determine the feasibility of modifications to the existing harbor entrance, turning basin and berthing areas to accommodate deeper draft commercial and military ship traffic. Studies included a review of existing and future port operations; stability of existing pier and wharf structures for different deepening alternatives; turning basin widening concepts; disposal of contaminated dredge spoil; and harbor entrance refinements to remedy adverse cross-currents. Structural design concepts were proposed to stabilize existing side slopes, widen navigation channels, and completely refurbish aged facilities. In a subsequent project, NCI prepared a cargo forecast and ship analysis, and the preliminary design for wharf reinforcement alternatives. This work included identifying the technical/economic trends that will shape the ocean carrier industry in the future including estimating generic port capabilities to determine typical requirements for channel depths/widths, turning basins, shore services and environmental protection measures; evaluating/forecasting commercial demand for port capabilities within the Harbor District; reviewing existing and probable continued use for military ship traffic/cargo operations including an assessment of potential long-term use; determining the minimum channel dimensions that will be required by the projected cargo flows, port services requirements, expected vessel size and type; economic impact of the Port in terms of sales, jobs, and tax revenue; and preparing conceptual alternative designs and costs of necessary structural improvements to wharfs to accommodate the proposed new channel depth.
Seal Beach, CA
NCI performed the engineering feasibility study for expansion of the existing harbor facilities to support AOE-6 class ships. A three-phase plan to improve the port’s deep draft navigation, berthing areas, and infrastructure was formulated and selected from seven alternatives. The varied conceptual designs proposed and evaluated included wharfs, trestles, moles, breakwaters, offshore island terminals, and tunnels. Associated dredging, break bulk and containerized cargo transfer methods, along with supporting facilities and infrastructure improvements, were also studied. Alternatives were compared to port operational requirements, oceanographical design constraints, constructability, cost, and environmental impact considerations for selection of a preferred plan.
Oxnard, CA
An engineering feasibility study was performed by NCI for widening of the small-craft harbor entrance channel to alleviate traffic congestion. Surveys of existing and future boating demands were made to ascertain harbor capacity and use limits. Traffic simulation studies analyzed structural and non-structural methods to optimize inlet navigation and improve boater safety. Formulated plans included channel widening via jetty relocation or modification, traffic lane separation, and increased patrol enforcement. Alternative plans were evaluated for economic and recreational benefits, reduction of shoaling and maintenance dredging requirements, and impacts to the local coastal processes.
Ventura, CA
A feasibility study was performed by NCI to address adverse navigation and shoaling conditions at this open coast site. Studies included numerical modeling of the nearshore wave climate, along with detailed analysis of the harbor’s shoaling history to identify the sediment transport mechanism in and around the entrance. Preliminary designs were prepared for new groins, jetty modifications, and an offshore breakwater extension to lesson hazardous navigation conditions and reduce maintenance dredging frequency by trapping sand more efficiently. The NED plan was selected on the basis of technical, economic benefit, and environmental impact criteria. In a subsequent project, the Ventura Harbor Sand Bypass Regional Beneficial Uses reconnaissance study and report was prepared by NCI for use to implement a sand bypassing system at the Harbor. Work included addressing problems and opportunities; planning constraints; qualitatively assessing potential project outputs; identifying disposal/placement alternatives; investigating pump systems to match disposal alternatives; describing likely environmental effects; preparing preliminary cost estimates for pump systems and disposal alternatives; developing a Project Study Plan (PSP); and preparing an expedited reconnaissance report.
