Europe is known to produce some of the world’s most advanced concrete solutions. When the time came to make concrete plans to expand the Technomarine product line, Europe was the obvious choice for its floating concrete concepts. Enter Technomarine Concrete and its new product range of precast concrete maritime elements. With technical support and assistance from Aquatica Ingenieria (a specialist in marine and harbor engineering and consulting), Technomarine has designed, engineered and is manufacturing its technically-advanced Floating Concrete Dock and Breakwater solutions at its plant in Vigo, Spain. Viva la concreto!
This is not your granddad’s concrete deck. With 35 years of knowledge and experience in aluminum floating and fixed docks solutions, Technomarine has applied the same advanced principles and concepts to their new concrete products. Similar to their signature aluminum products, Technomarine’s concrete system has a fully-integrated, superior structural and functional design which features low maintenance, flexible rubber connections, rapid installation and industry-leading warranty. Built for high survivability against Mother Nature and Father Time, these concrete systems have an expected lifetime of 25 to 35 years.
But weight! Self-compacting cast concrete, engineered polypropylene fibers, hot-dipped galvanized steel rebar and expanded polystyrene make Technomarine’s floating concrete products heavyweight and super-strong. More weight means they can take more load—just what humungous 500-foot-long yachts can belly-up to. No hay problema!
The crowning glory of Technomarine’s floating concrete system is that it can be custom-designed and uniquely cast to meet any specific marina’s requirements—all while retaining the brand’s renowned quality and aesthetically-pleasing beauty.
Making concrete plans is what Technomarine did in laying the foundation for new concrete solutions. Now, bringing these state-of-the-art products to market, concrete won’t just be known as the European way, but soon, the worldwide way.
Caption: Technomarine has designed a new line of floating concrete products that include precast breakwaters, pontoons, floaters and fingers.
Written by Martin Danjue
CHANGING THE WORLD—ONE SEAPORT AT A TIME
Game-Changing Container Logistics
To see the future, you may have to understand some of the past. Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, new technologies have been changing the way the world works, seemingly on a daily basis. What began as a transformation from hand and animal labor to power tools and machinery has evolved into the age of automation and what many call the Robotics Revolution.
A lot has happened in the last 300 or so years, which really isn’t such a long time in the scheme of things. While it may not be apparent to most, the shipping industry has also rapidly improved with technology, automation and robotics—and companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon.
Leading the way with incorporating technology into new products and processes, Technomarine continues its passion and commitment to bring new advancements to market and to customers. For over 30 years, Technomarine has brought new ideas, innovative design and technology to ports around the world. Now that you know a little history, you may ask, “What do you see in the future for ports around the world?”
With the emergence of new, larger size of ships that are about one and a half times the previous size, the ships can now carry many times more cargo. If you thought a ship carrying 5,000 containers was large, the new breed of super container ships can carry 25,000 containers.
Opening in June 2016, the completion of the Panama Canal expansion has doubled the capacity of traffic by adding a new lane, two new sets of locks on the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean sides, and the widening and deepening of existing channels—allowing a larger number of these monster ships to pass through.
What does all of this mean to the ports receiving these ships? Imagine your plane arriving at the terminal and having to unload 25,000 suitcases to Customs and then to the baggage carousel. And don’t forget, Homeland Security is in charge of scanning everything that is coming in. Ahem…go ahead and say it out loud…“OMG, log jam!”
Enter Technomarine Group’s newest division Container Logistics Worldwide (CLW) based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A design, engineering and construction company, CLW has pioneered a revolutionary, automated container storage system for ports worldwide, using advanced technology and robotics.
CLW’s Automated High Rise storage is called the “Aero-Matrix Cube System.” Approximately 42,000 shipping containers can be housed in the “Cube” on 31 acres versus on 170 acres with current inefficient technology. CLW is in essence “creating land” by going vertical. It’s not a new concept—going vertical with containers just hasn’t been utilized efficiently.
Operations begin at the point a Quay crane releases a container port side. The system reduces a ship’s turn-around time, load and unload cycle, and reduces the handling of each container by about 30% less touches. The system can store 6 to 7 times the container density of current ports by stacking vertical.
What was a maximum storage stack of four, because of the crushing weight of the containers on top of one another, can now be unloaded into the system’s 10-floor open frame building. With the Aero-Matrix System, containers are on racks, not stacked, stored on easily accessible floors—on a smaller real estate footprint.
Technomarine Founder and CEO Erik Sanderson explains “When you have a stack of four containers and a ship comes in and needs that bottom container, it would take, say, an hour and a half to move around that stack to retrieve that one container. With CLW’s automated system, it would take… guess—30 seconds.”
It’s like the difference between a sprawling, low-rise, urban walk-up neighborhood with cars 4-deep, bump-to-bumper in a parking lot versus a high-rise condo with 5 elevators and a parking garage with 5 traffic lanes. Compact. Organized. Efficient. Automated.
Aero-Docks and Container Logistics Worldwide president Richard Lydle says, “With CLW’s patented container port system, a port’s profit and efficiency is dramatically increased while using existing land.”
In today’s world, fighting the flow of contraband and the constant threat of terrorism can be a daunting task. Adds Lydle, “Depending on port and government requirements for security scanning (x-ray, explosives and nuclear detection), 100% of containers coming in and going out can now be efficiently inspected with our Aero-Matrix System as containers are loaded onto or removed from ships—plus, providing the weight of each container.”
Implementing its automated truck, rail and trans-shipment systems for unloading and loading, along with computer software controlling all operations and container scanning and tracking, CLW with its strategic partners are in the forefront of the Robotics Revolution.
As ships are getting bigger and the demand for container space and efficiency increases, ports around the world are looking for solutions and are asking “What will be the ports of the future?”
While nothing is ever easy, Container Logistics, well, can make it an easier solution. In short, the answer to the question is “The Future is Now.”
CAPTION: Container Logistics Worldwide’s modular Aero-Matrix Cube System can store and retrieve 42,960 containers on 10 floors on 31 acres with automated, robotic efficiency.
Written by Martin Danjue
PRODUCT REVIEW—DOCKING SYSTEMS
TECHNOMARINE SYSTEM 285 FLEXES ITS MUSCLES
When it comes to the top of Technomarine’s 200 Series line, think of System 285 as a football linebacker—strong and durable enough to take on heavy linemen, but agile and flexible enough to play any position on the field.
An advanced docking solution, System 285 is completely flexible and versatile for reconfiguration or expansion. It is ideal for berthing big boats longer than 80 feet—like today’s Mega Yachts and Super Yachts, measuring in at up to 200 feet. Those are some hefty guys to accommodate.
The system’s strength and durability comes from its strong but lightweight marine-grade aluminum alloy structure and salt-water-resistant components and hardware. With a choice of strong or heavy-duty load bearing capacities, it’s designed to withstand high lateral impact loads—like stopping a running back short of the goal line. Seriously, it’s impact resistant up to a 240-ton boat as well as built to withstand Category 3 hurricanes.
Space to breathe. The system has top and lateral railings that allow for movable cleats, bollards, and marine extrusions. Unlike drilling into concrete docks, moorings can be easily repositioned for ample, customized dock spacing between Mega-yachts. While our hefty neighbors can be buddies, they shouldn't feel the need to share their Grey-Poupon.
A totally integrated system, it’s compatible with all 200 Series decking, fenders, fingers and accessories. The system also features a wake attenuator for passing boat traffic. And like pumping iron at the gym, it employs a 24-inch-diameter steel pile anchoring system.
Fast becoming a fan favorite of big boat marinas, System 285 has been installed all over the world from Oman to Miami, from New Jersey to Santa Marta in Columbia.
With the perfect balance of strength and flexibility, it's a top pick for Mega-yacht marinas. More durable than concrete and able to float on water. Built to last, yet cost-effective. Strong and flexible. Lightweight but heavy-duty. Muscle with finesse. Those are game-changing combinations.
CAPTION: System 285 is a completely flexible and versatile advanced docking solution that is ideal for accommodating Mega and Super Yachts up to 200 feet.
Written by Martin Danjue
KEEP CALM AND GIMME A BREAKWATER PLEASE
Keep calm—yes, calm.
It’s what everyone has been looking for since mankind first started building boats. It’s what marina operators have been lamenting for centuries—the need for a better breakwater to lessen the wave action causing boats and their customers to bob and rock incessantly. As far back as 37 B.C., the Romans were building breakwaters to protect moored boats from the pounding of wind, waves and weather.
Fast-forward 2,000 years or so and they’re still saying “Gimme a breakwater, please!” Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, Florida had the need to repair or rebuild their docks and breakwater. The facility actually sports two marinas and has 2 miles of open exposure, making it rough, so to speak, to hold back Mother Nature. Just a few thousand feet off the Atlantic Ocean, it is not unusual to incur 3-foot swells or to even see white caps forming on the lake lagoon.
Absorbing three direct hits from hurricanes over a two-year period, the marina was showing the wear and tear. Putting it off for too, too long—it was time for change. The fixed-concrete docks and breakwaters had lasted their lifetime over 30 to 50 years, but even punished concrete begins to fail. It’s hard to repair and patches are not reliable—and it’s ugly.
The solution was to find a floating dock system and rebuild. The search was on!
“After traveling thousands of miles and walking on countless floating docks, we discovered Technomarine,” says Mark Lavery, VP Marina Operations with Old Port Cove Holdings. “I was somewhat skeptical whether we could pull it off with a system manufactured in Montreal. But, wow! What a surprise."
OPCH finally caught it’s break(water). “We purchased one of these systems with a (custom) breakwater 9 years ago and the protection it provides is exceptional,” says Lavery. “The ‘flex-block’ connecting system is the best in the floating dock industry. I have seen them all and have owned and maintained many of them. It’s unparalleled.”
The floating wave attenuator system is anchored with 24-inch diameter steel piles—built to take on the surge of a 100-year flood scenario. It also features adjustable cleats on both sides—doubling the berthing space—allowing for mooring of Mega Yachts along the breakwater’s choppy outer sides with smaller boats in the calmer inner basin.
With industry trends moving to bigger and bigger yachts 130-feet and longer, amenities like power, gear, food, gyms, lounges, WiFi, flat screen TVs and shuttles, the waterside has become the seamless gateway to the upland. “At Old Port Cove Marina, we strive to offer our clients the best facility and service that can possibly be provided.”
A picture is truly worth a thousand words. Photos of Old Port Cove’s floating breakwater and dock system are proof of the contrast between the waves outside and the calm inside. Kind of like the calm that comes with peace of mind. Keep calm and carry on!
CAPTION: Technomarine’s floating wave attenuators perform excellently against breaking waves on the outer walls, leaving the inner side calm.
Written by Martin Danjue
Automated Dry Storage—The Future is Now
Parking, storing and retrieving your vessel—A simple concept; an ingenious solution.
For drivers and car owners alike, the concept of parking your automobile in a garage or with a valet in front of a hotel is second nature. It’s a simple concept—you pull up to a building, leave your vehicle with the attendants and they store it away until you come back. Imagine a touchless garage system that eliminates door dings, scuffs and damage, rinses your car and places it into its secure spot.
It’s so simple that you may wonder why it hasn’t always been done like this for boaters—until now. With advancements in technology, materials, engineering and design, DockServices® Automated Dry Storage and building system can whisk boats away and store them safely—protected from the sun, elements, fire, theft, damage and mishandling. So, no more teenage valet attendants taking your convertible for a quick spin.
There are three fire protection systems in place inside and outside of the storage building, along with 24/7 security, monitoring, closed circuit TV and intrusion alarm system. And for storms, the building is designed to withstand category 4 hurricanes. Sounds like NASA could use one of these to store their space vehicles in.
DockServices® automated handling cradle is specifically designed to protect the boat hull from scuffing, premature wear or other risks of accident. The advantage over conventional dry storage methods is that the hull will never come in contact with forks or handling equipment—or for that matter, an overzealous fork operator. Only one machine is used for handling and rinsing with high-pressure fresh water, eliminating the need to move the boat several times.
In a hurry? Now, vessels can be retrieved in less than 5 minutes—and you don’t have to be 007. Requests for launch or removal of a boat can be accomplished by the owner upon arrival or in advance by phone, e-mail or online through smartphone app. And there’s no tipping the machine.
With marinas implementing DockServices® Automated Dry Storage and building systems around the world, you’ll wish and wonder why your automobile couldn’t be treated this well. Here’s to wishful thinking. Home, James.
CAPTION: DockServices® Automated Dry Storage whisks boats away and stores them safely within the building system—protected from the sun, elements, fire, theft, damage and mishandling.
Written by Martin Danjue
Trends in Marine Development and Construction
Tackling monumental challenges
In an industry built on the construction of marinas, docks and breakwaters, one can't help to be overwhelmed by the enormous challenges that face all involved. There is a lot at stake for marina owners and much to consider with contemplating a monstrous, multi-million dollar project. No one ever said this business was easy.
Some current trends in marine development and construction involve layers of governmental red tape and the process is guaranteed not to be a smooth one. If a construction project isn't a completely new build, then it's either to repair and renovate or to demolish and rebuild—either way, the process is a percolator of headaches. To even start thinking about a major project, marina owners better have a supply of aspirin on hand—just short of needing their heads examined.
Stating the obvious, one industry trend is replacing fixed concrete docks with floating aluminum docks. The latter being favored more and more by marina owners looking to upgrade their services and amenities in an effort to increase revenue.
Maybe “trends” is not the right term after all. The challenges that face marina owners and development/construction companies are constant and accumulating. Trends come and go—get popular for a time, and then fade away. Rather, we are talking about “evolution.” The “evolution” of marine development and construction is to adapt to the changing landscape of needs, wants and requirements. No matter what you call it, there are many interested parties in it for the long haul—and they’re not going away any time soon, like a trend.
Everyone’s business
With community and real estate boards, local, state and federal governments, DEP, environmental groups, politicians, law enforcement, Coast Guard, Homeland Security, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, water management, city planning and zoning, beautification advocates, unions, the general public and Mother Nature all putting their figurative two cents in, let's just say that the "trends" are to make everyone happy. Still, the “evolution” of a marina is a gargantuan task.
Easy Access
Another “evolution” in the process is the increasing involvement of parties wanting to know what the master plan is; where the docks are; where the parking lot will be; where the restrooms will be and how many? Top of mind is the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for architecture, construction and signage. “The industry has been slow to catch up with adhering to ADA standards and guidelines,” says Technomarine Construction president Mark Bolchoz. “We work with owners, engineers and designers on ADA access. We want to make it as easy and as safe as possible for the public and the elderly to gain access from the upland to the water side.”
Amenable Amenities
“Local municipalities are getting more and more involved in everything from planning to zoning,” adds Bolchoz. “Everyone wants to know if the end product will be at a high level.” They want to know if the plan will include updated amenities like cafes, lounges, WiFi, gyms, showers, big screen TVs, and services like shore power, pump out facilities, shuttle transportation, security with closed circuit TV, etc.? Constructing at a high level means raising the standards to what people expect nowadays. That could range anywhere from the most up-to-date public marina to the most private members’ marina with country club appeal. These are the types of offerings that boaters and users are expecting to see—and the “trends” that owners are building-in to further their success.
Win-win
While the “evolution” of marine development and construction may cause a lot of headaches, in the long run, it’s a win-win proposition for everyone. As long as all involved can wrap their heads around the plan and can ultimately be satisfied, the less headaches there would be all around.
If there is one take away from investigating the current “evolutions” in this business, it’s that people working together towards a common goal can achieve great things. Now, that’s using your collective heads. Does anyone have an aspirin?