Innovative Wall Replaces an Aging Timber Dock in Coos Bay, Oregon

The timber shipping industry has faced a great number of challenges over the last few decades including new environmental regulations, a slumping economy, and aging port facilities. For many terminal operators and owners, the difference between thriving and failing is innovation. Ocean terminals is a privately held company that has demonstrated such innovation by taking a unique approach to replacing its aging infrastructure. Ocean terminals owns a timber export and import facility located on Coos Bay in North Bend, Oregon. The facility’s aging timber pier was nearing the end of its service life, however halting operations for an extended period of time to replace it was not viable. To keep the terminal operating, a new bulkhead was built around the existing timber pier structure in phases between ship loading operations. The new 59-foot (17.98 meter) tall tied-back bulkhead wall was built using a unique combination of H piles, cold formed sheet piles, and large diameter high strength tie rods. By staying innovative, ocean terminals was able to take on the challenge of replacing an aging facility while their terminal remained in business to serve the local economy and community of North Bend.