BARGERSVILLE, IN: CMS Corporation (CMS) recently completed the $27.1M design-build recapitalization of deep draft berthing Wharf Charlie 2 (C-2) at Naval Station (NS) Mayport, FL. This project included construction of a new steel bulkhead at the existing Wharf C-2. CMS successfully navigated a number of unique challenges on this highly complex, high hazard project.

Crews placed 4,135 tons of piles, including 124 king piles and 282 sheet piles, placed 450 tons of rebar, poured 30,000 cubic yards of concrete, and performed extensive dewatering of excavations of 10 to 20 feet below sea level. Unique safety concerns included working at heights over water, trenching and excavating (e.g., installation of utilities below 8 feet in depth from finish grade), and heavy rigging (including crane work from landside over water and from barge over water). Crews performed over 2,000 crane lifts (including nearly 500 critical lifts) without incident.

CMS also constructed a new fuel delivery system. The system connected to the existing fuel line originating from the Navy Fuel Farm through six branch lines and ultimately to six fuel vaults on the bulkhead. The entire fuel system is comprised of double containment fuel piping and delivers both marine diesel fuel and JP-5 to ships moored at Wharf C-2.

At peak, CMS managed up to 10 subcontractors, including a crew of up to 60 people, working on site concurrently. Overall, the CMS project team worked nearly 157,000 labor hours with zero lost-time incidents.

Wharf Charlie 2 was officially accepted by the US Navy in a memorandum dated April 14, 2017. With the successful completion of this project, the service life of the original, degraded wharf bulkhead has been extended by an additional 50 years. With this new facility, the Navy can more efficiently fuel and service ships at NS Mayport.