Reviving A Port for Global Shipping: Innovative Work at Quonset’s Pier 1

The Port of Davisville, located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, has a rich history as a former Naval Air Station dating back to World War II. The Quonset Development Corporation (QDC), responsible for overseeing port operations, is undertaking a major project to rehabilitate Pier 1. Originally built during the 1940s, the pier has served its purpose for decades but now requires significant updates to support ongoing port activity.
J.F. Brennan Company (𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧) was selected as the prime contractor for the project, tasked with carefully demolishing and reconstructing portions of the pier. “The overall objective is to allow the Port of Davisville to berth an additional car carrier on the south berth of Pier 1,” said Brennan Senior Project Manager Alex Baittinger. “The improvements we’re making will extend the life of this pier easily into the 2070s.”
𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The rehabilitation is a key component of QDC’s $235 million Port of Davisville Master Plan, an initiative aimed at upgrading the port’s infrastructure. Greg Coren, QDC’s manager of engineering, said, “This project is one of a series of developments necessary to ensure the port continues operations as one of the top 10 auto importers in North America.”
The project involves the challenge of ensuring new construction will integrate seamlessly with future upgrades. Coren explained, “We needed a design where we could demolish the remainder of the pier later and install new sections almost like a LEGO® block system. There’s a lot of coordination between Brennan, QDC, and the design engineer to make this happen.”
𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱, 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭
Brennan’s team brought together experienced pile drivers and state-of-the-art equipment to carry out the project. With heavy machinery, such as a Manitowoc 4100 pile-driving rig and a Liebherr LR 1300 crane mounted on spud barges, the operation involves lifting weights of up to 90,000 LB. Safety is a top priority. Brennan’s Regional Safety Manager Jonathan Panasik emphasized the importance of teamwork: “Things can go wrong fast if we’re not well-coordinated. It’s crucial that every team member knows what’s happening next and is watching out for everyone’s safety.”
Coren praised Brennan’s professionalism: “They are efficient, professional, and have the expertise to execute a project like this.”
𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐲
Brennan has remained committed to safety and quality throughout the project, ensuring the right people are in place to handle the job’s unique demands. Baittinger highlighted the company’s focus on safety and respect within the team: “Safety is paramount to the Brennan culture. We have a group of people who truly respect each other and the skills they bring to the table.”
As Brennan continues work on Pier 1, its partnership with QDC is an example of collaboration, innovative engineering, and shared commitment to ensuring the future of the Port of Davisville.
𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐐𝐃𝐂'𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝟏
Brennan is ensuring that the port remains a vital hub for North American auto imports. The improvements made today will support increased capacity and long-term growth, securing the port’s future for generations. Both QDC and Brennan look forward to integrating future upgrades seamlessly to serve the Port of Davisville and the global shipping needs of North America.
Discover what Brennan can do for you and connect with our team at www.jfbrennan....
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𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐉.𝐅. 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a fourth-generation, family-owned marine construction firm specializing in environmental remediation, dam construction, commercial diving, harbor management, and submarine cable services. Working closely with public and private owners of water-based infrastructure since 1919, Brennan operates throughout the coastal and inland waterways of the United States.
©2024 J.F. Brennan Company