Port Freeport—DIY Guide to a Multipurpose Facility Expansion

Ever wonder how to design an expansion of an existing container terminal that is located within a USACE flood protection zone such that it is suited for multipurpose heavy lift, RoRo, and container operations? Then look no further, the Velasco terminal, located at Port Freeport approximately 60 miles south of Houston, TX is undertaking such an expansion. The expansion includes adding 1,400 feet of new wharf; an entirely new structure for RoRo operations; while continuing to protect upland areas from hurricane storm surge by transitioning from an earthen levee system to a steel sheetpile floodwall. The wharf expansion design includes integrating new pile supported structures with existing bulkheads and enclosed marginal wharf structures. The final design is capable of servicing two 7,800 TEU vessels simultaneously, as well as supporting heavy lift crawler cranes and live load pressures of 2,500 psf.