Maryland Port Administration, Dundalk Marine Terminal: Resiliency for an Active RO/RO Terminal

Port facilities are facing increased challenges due to sea level rise and surge-based inundation; this is particularly problematic for roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) facilities handling automobiles. Retrofitting an operational port terminal to combat climate-related storm surge presents unique circumstances that must be considered when employing resiliency features. Operational considerations include selection of barrier position and integrating flood barrier systems into existing facilities whereby day-to-day operations remain unimpeded. Methods for the effective and timely deployment of barrier closures must be devised. Design considerations include coastal evaluations, wave load development, and evaluation of structure designs that resist imposed loads. At the Maryland Port Administration’s (MPA) Dundalk Marine Terminal (DMT) several alternatives were considered for both fixed and deployable barriers, and an integrated design approach was used to ensure effective surge protection measures are compatible with operational needs of the facility.