Our foundation is waterfront engineering; our depth of knowledge enables us to keep setting industry standards, wherever water meets land.
We have designed, retrofit, and/or rehabilitated thousands of piers, wharves, docks, small boat harbors, mooring structures, boat launches, and many other types of waterfront infrastructure throughout the course of our firm’s history, positioning PND as one of the premier waterfront engineering design firms in the world. From the shores of the Arctic Ocean to the banks of the Amazon River, PND has provided economical and robust designs where others have failed.
Waterfront Experts
We have four decades of waterfront engineering experience, positioning PND as a preeminent expert in marine infrastructure design.
Remote Project Site Solutions
Through extensive field inspection and construction observation, PND understands remote project logistics and construction limitations, which is reflected in our thoughtful designs for elements such as modular construction to reduce cost, shorten construction schedules, and increase safety for construction crews.
Sound Foundations
PND excels at producing constructable designs regardless of site conditions, including a variety of foundation types to resist anticipated loading from berthing and mooring forces to extreme environmental conditions.
Ports & Harbors
PND has developed innovative solutions for more than 200 docks and piers in the last decade alone. Our dock designs typically fall within three categories: pile-supported, floating, or bulkheads. Pile-supported docks extend over intertidal zones to reach the water depth necessary for most marine vessels. Floating docks are extremely efficient for facilities where a large volume of passengers or freight are loaded/offloaded over a tidal cycle. Bulkhead docks are well suited in situations where extremely heavy loads are anticipated at the dock face; bulkheads use earthen fill instead of more expensive conventional construction materials, which can significantly reduce project cost. Our team of experts will advise clients on the best fit for their site, facility needs, and budget. Our patented OPEN CELL SHEET PILE™ (OCSP™) bulkheads meet these conditions and allow for higher loads and taller walls, ideal for heavy-lifting equipment in challenging conditions.
- Fixed Docks
- Floating Docks
- OCSP Docks
- OCSP Bulkheads
Cruise Ship Facilities & Ferry Terminals
- Floating Berths
- Fixed-Pier Berths
- Passenger Boarding Systems
- Deep-Draft/Deepwater
- OCSP & SPIN FIN Applications
Bulk & Container Freight Terminals
Marinas & Floats
Boat Launches & Haulouts
Dolphins & Fendering Systems
Decades-Long Client Relationships Start With A Solution
Unalaska Marine Center Expansion | Unalaska, AK
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with PND on four marine projects in Unalaska, Alaska. Their professionalism and competency is reflected in the fact that we continue to hire them for work in this particularly challenging maritime environment. The PND team is responsive to our needs and change requests, offering solid guidance; polite and courteous in all their interactions with city staff and elected officials; and innovative with respect to design criteria and cost-saving measures.”
FAQs
To learn more about PND’s waterfront engineering work, read our frequently asked questions.
What types of waterfront engineering services does PND provide?
PND offers a wide range of waterfront engineering services that include ports and harbors; cruise ship facilities and ferry terminals; bulk and container freight terminals; marinas and floats; boat launches and haulouts; and piers, dolphins, and fendering systems.
Does PND provide condition assessments of existing facilities?
Yes, PND not only specializes in the design of new facilities but has extensive experience performing condition assessments and evaluations of existing facilities. We maintain a wide array of specialized equipment to determine the condition of your facility. We can also analyze your facility in its current condition to establish operating parameters.
Does PND provide design services for repair and retrofit of existing facilities?
Yes, PND can assist with the repair and/or retrofit of your existing facility. Whether it is anticipated wear on the facility, damage from an extreme event, or upgrades to expand capabilities or meet modern codes, PND’s dedicated staff has the expertise to reach your goals.
How does PND address the challenges of designing in severe environmental conditions?
PND designs for high seismic loads, extreme tidal fluctuations, high-velocity winds, and low temperatures, ensuring strong, reliable structures.
What makes PND’s float design unique?
We design concrete floats, timber floats, pipe floats, and ultra-high-molecular-weight tub and pipe floats. Each design considers the end users of the facility and the long-term maintenance demands, ensuring our design services provide the longest service life possible with the lowest maintenance costs.
What are the benefits of PND’s OCSP bulkheads?
This patented solution provides strong platforms for heavy-lifting equipment in difficult seismic, ice, and current conditions, supporting designs in a multitude of waterfront soil and weather conditions.
How does PND support the cruise industry?
PND plays a crucial role in supporting the cruise industry by delivering expert engineering and design services tailored to the unique challenges of maritime infrastructure. PND develops robust port facilities, docking systems, and waterfront structures, ensuring cruise lines have safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing infrastructure to accommodate their ships and passengers. PND specializes in designing facilities with difficult conditions such as logistically challenging locations and/or terrain. Our comprehensive approach includes feasibility studies, structural design, project management, and construction support, all aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and environmental sustainability of cruise operations. By leveraging our deep industry knowledge and innovative solutions, PND helps cruise lines provide memorable and smooth experiences for travelers while optimizing port and terminal functionality.
Can PND assist with the entire process from planning to construction?
Yes. PND handles everything from initial planning and securing funding to design and construction support services for your waterfront engineering project.
What types of docks and piers has PND designed?
PND has designed over 200 docks and piers in the last decade alone, from fixed and floating docks to OCSP docks, each tailored to support our clients’ needs. PND has provided design, retrofit, and/or rehabilitation on over 1,000 waterfront engineering projects worldwide in our 45-year history.
How does PND ensure the longevity and durability of their waterfront structures?
PND uses advanced materials and innovative designs, such as SPIN FIN piles, to withstand environmental stresses and provide long-lasting, low-maintenance structures. For instance, a SPIN FIN pile can absorb many times more energy than a smooth pile through its ability to increase load capacity as the pile is moved (pulled or pushed). A SPIN FIN pile acts similarly to a screw, while a traditional pile is similar to a nail.
What kind of waterfront projects has PND completed in the past?
PND has successfully completed numerous projects, from small community docks to large commercial port facilities, across both coastal and inland waterways for a variety of industries.
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