The ongoing expansion work at the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in North Charleston South Carolina represents a monumental investment in the future of United States port infrastructure and maritime supply chain capacity. Strategically positioned along the East Coast, this multiyear mega project aims to dramatically increase port capacity, strengthen global cargo movement, and foster long-term economic resilience. When fully built across its 286 acre (about the total floor space of the Pentagon) footprint, the terminal will boast a 52' (ft) channel depth and three deepwater berths capable of handling massive 19,000 TEU container vessels. The Phase Two expansion currently underway focuses heavily on extending the wharf by 1,600 LF to create space for five additional ship-to-shore cranes, a critical upgrade that will elevate annual throughput to two and a half million TEUs and attract premier transatlantic shipping routes. 

The South Carolina Ports Authority and its engineering partners selected a highly specialized marine construction contractor equipped to navigate the complex subsurface conditions of this historic coastal site. The chosen contractor stands out as a premier heavy civil builder with extensive experience in deepwater port infrastructure, high load structural engineering, and complex waterfront sequencing. Given that the terminal sits on former Navy Base land, the contractor must manage strict unexploded ordnance (UXO) mitigation protocols that are highly regulated safety procedures used on construction sites where weapons like bombs, shells, or landmines might be buried in the ground; including protective shielding for heavy cranes during underground operations. Their proven track record of delivering high-capacity transit hubs and their deep understanding of the unique Lowcountry geology made them the ideal choice to spearhead this critical expansion while keeping existing harbor operations moving smoothly. 

To conquer the challenging soil conditions and massive structural demands of the wharf extension, crews deployed a variety of ICE® impact hammers alongside an ICE® 44E vibratory hammer to drive the heavy prestressed concrete foundation piles. These large, deep foundation elements require immense driving energy to penetrate the dense coastal strata and secure long-term stability for future crane loads. The vibratory hammer efficiently preconditions the ground and sets the heavy concrete lines, while the robust impact hammers deliver the final, high-energy blows required to seat the piles firmly to target depths. Outfitted with specialized Hydrauli-Flex hoses to maintain optimal fluid power delivery under extreme pressure, this heavy-duty machinery allows the foundation team to safely navigate the dense subsurface layers and maintain a rigorous production schedule in a high-stakes marine environment. 

Global logistics providers and local coastal communities alike will benefit from the vastly improved traffic flow and increased supply chain speed unlocked by this state-of-the-art terminal upgrade. International Construction Equipment (ICE®) proudly celebrates the exceptional contracting team for trusting their high energy driving machinery to anchor these vital maritime shipping platforms. The precise execution and engineering expertise demonstrated throughout this project ensure that Charleston will remain a top tier gateway for international commerce, providing American businesses with a stronger, more resilient connection to the global marketplace for decades to come. 

Learn more about the ICE® 44E and the full line of ICE® Impact Hammers 

Need Hydraulic Hose Fast? We've Got You Covered.           

Whether you're running a crane, excavator, or keeping your shop truck in top shape, downtime isn't an option--and neither is settling for second-rate parts. At HydraulicHose.com, we stock the exact hose kits, bundles, fittings, and adapters your equipment demands.             

From high-pressure lines to custom assemblies, we carry the hose they use--built to perform, built to last.            

Shop now and keep your machines moving.             

Media Contact-                 
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA              
Vice President            
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc              
The Hose Company            
Office - 704-821-8200           
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com 

As the multi-year modernization and reconstruction effort at the Port of Lake Charles hits full stride in 2026, the local maritime landscape will transform to support the booming energy export sector. Strategically positioned along Henry Pugh Boulevard and the vital Calcasieu Ship Channel, this expansive project represents an investment exceeding $200 million to completely overhaul the area. The industrial water frontage right next to the public park at Calcasieu Point Landing will soon bustle with activity as workers reinforce the deepwater infrastructure to handle massive global cargo ships. This structural stabilization project is critical for ensuring that Southwest Louisiana remains a powerhouse in international trade and energy logistics for decades to come. 

The general contractor for this project has entrusted the demanding marine foundation and heavy civil scope to Baker Pile Driving & Site Work LLC, a company widely recognized for its specialized expertise in complex deepwater environments. Baker Pile Driving is known for taking on tough coastal engineering challenges, making them the ideal fit to handle the intricate bulkhead and high-capacity combiwall installations required for the ship channel's edge. Their team will bring a reputation for precision and reliability to this massive undertaking, ensuring that the critical borderline between land and water is stabilized safely and efficiently. By deploying a highly skilled crew to this high-stakes maritime environment, they will successfully execute one of the most structurally significant phases of the entire port expansion. 

To tackle the very stiff, clay soils Baker Pile Driving is deploying a tactical combination of rented and owned foundation machinery from International Construction Equipment (ICE®). The crew will construct a heavy‑duty combiwall system, interlocking large‑diameter pipe piles with Z‑sheet piles by following a rigorous on-site order of operations. Installation begins with the massive ICE® 215 Vibratory Hammer, delivering more than 800 tons of driving force to seamlessly set the initial king piles and drive close to refusal. This vibratory system will be supported by specialized Hydrauli‑Flex™ hoses, ensuring clean, consistent hydraulic flow. 

Once the king piles are driven near refusal and the template is removed, the Baker crew will then bring in an ICE® I‑80 Diesel Hammer to drive those same king piles down to exact design grade. Next, the team masterfully feeds interlocking sheet pile pairs smoothly between the established king piles, pre-driving the pairs with a vibratory hammer down to refusal. To finalize the wall setup, the crew shifts to impact driving, using an ICE® I‑30 Diesel Hammer to impact the sheet pile pairs directly to their final designed elevation. 

When this project is completed, this rugged bulkhead wall will ensure a safer, more prosperous future for the entire Lake Charles region; and the local community is incredibly grateful for the hard work that will keep their economy moving forward. International Construction Equipment is equally thrilled to partner with such a dedicated crew, appreciating the opportunity to see their premier fleet pushed to its peak performance on the Louisiana coast. Watching Baker Pile Driving masterfully orchestrate this complex array of heavy machinery will be a testament to what can be achieved when top-tier expertise meets the right tools for the job. 

Learn more about the ICE® 215 and ICE® Diesel Hammers 

Need Hydraulic Hose Fast? We've Got You Covered.          

Whether you're running a crane, excavator, or keeping your shop truck in top shape, downtime isn't an option--and neither is settling for second-rate parts. At HydraulicHose.com, we stock the exact hose kits, bundles, fittings, and adapters your equipment demands.            

From high-pressure lines to custom assemblies, we carry the hose they use--built to perform, built to last.           

Shop now and keep your machines moving.            

Media Contact-                
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA             
Vice President           
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc             
The Hose Company           
Office - 704-821-8200          
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com 

The long-awaited Nelson Road Extension and Bridge project represents one of the most critical infrastructure advancements currently underway by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve regional connectivity, this major one-mile highway extension features a massive new bridge structure spanning across the environmentally sensitive Contraband Bayou. As construction pushes forward through 2026, the joint efforts of general contractor Johnson Brothers Corporation and specialized subcontractor Guinn Construction are rapidly transforming the landscape. The entire project is on a strict timeline, racing toward a scheduled completion date in early 2027. 

While Johnson Brothers Corporation manages the primary overarching contract, the deep foundation and complex structural workload below the bridge decks relies heavily on the specialized expertise of Guinn Construction. Guinn was brought onto this high-stakes project due to their proven reputation for executing precision pile-driving operations, setting massive concrete footings, and pouring high-capacity columns in challenging, water-logged swamp environments. Working directly over the moving waters of the bayou, Guinn's crews are tasked with establishing the foundational backbone of the entire bridge structure, a feat that requires navigating soft Louisiana soils while protecting the surrounding coastal ecosystem. 

To construct the bridge's massive concrete footings and columns safely below the water line, Guinn Construction had to first establish dry, stable working environments on the bayou floor. They achieved this by deploying the highly versatile ICE® 22 Vibratory Driver/Extractor, a specialized machine that handles multiple critical phases of the support-of-excavation process. Crews utilize the hammer to rapidly drive interlocking steel sheets deep into the ground, creating robust, watertight cofferdams. Once these steel enclosures are sealed, the water is pumped out so crews can work on dry ground. Furthermore, the hammer secures perimeter sheets to provide critical soil retention, preventing the surrounding bayou banks from sloughing or collapsing during heavy excavation. 

Beyond creating the cofferdams, the ICE® 22 serves as a multi-tool for the entire foundation phase. In tighter, unpredictable soil profiles, Guinn's crews pair the hammer with specialized sheeting clamps to drive smaller steel H-piles as test probes, allowing them to pre-drill and identify hidden underground obstructions before any permanent, high-capacity structural piles are placed. Then, once the concrete columns and bridge piers are fully cured and structurally independent, the exact same ICE® 22 is flipped seamlessly into extraction mode. The hammer uses its dynamic upward force to cleanly pull the temporary steel sheets back out of the ground, salvaging the steel for future use without disturbing the newly poured concrete. 

Selecting the ICE® 22 was a calculated decision based on the strict logistical constraints of working over Contraband Bayou. With a total clamp weight under 10,500 pounds, this lightweight advantage allows Guinn Construction to utilize smaller, highly mobile cranes and reach significantly further out over the open water without risking crane stability. Additionally, its compact design and reduced height provide low-overhead access, making it ideal for operating in tight headroom spaces and directly against the existing, steep embankments. Most importantly, utilizing vibratory technology provides essential environmental and noise protection for the job site. This advanced method allows piles to slide smoothly into place, drastically minimizing ground shock waves and sound levels to safely protect the delicate bayou wildlife and surrounding civil structures throughout the build. 

Ultimately, the steady progress on the Nelson Road Bridge extension stands as a testament to smart engineering and the right equipment partnerships. Both the local Louisiana communities and the team at International Construction Equipment extend their thanks to Guinn Construction for choosing ICE® deep foundation machinery to tackle this challenging bayou crossing. By blending Guinn's field-proven craftsmanship with ICE® technology, this vital corridor is being built on a stable, environmentally conscious foundation that will serve the region safely for decades to come. 

Learn more about the ICE® 22 

Need Hydraulic Hose Fast? We've Got You Covered.         

Whether you're running a crane, excavator, or keeping your shop truck in top shape, downtime isn't an option--and neither is settling for second-rate parts. At HydraulicHose.com, we stock the exact hose kits, bundles, fittings, and adapters your equipment demands.           

From high-pressure lines to custom assemblies, we carry the hose they use--built to perform, built to last.          

Shop now and keep your machines moving.           

Media Contact-               
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA            
Vice President          
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc            
The Hose Company          
Office - 704-821-8200         
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com 

Central Florida has been preparing for the South Hillsborough Pipeline Project for years, and the scale of the effort reflects its importance. With a total investment surpassing $500 million, the project is designed to secure long term water reliability for a region that continues to grow at a remarkable pace. Much of the pipeline must pass beneath highways, rail lines, and environmentally sensitive waterways, which means traditional open trench construction is not an option. Instead, a series of 30 deep shafts will guide micro-tunneling operations beneath the surface, allowing the pipeline to move forward without disrupting the communities it will ultimately serve. As construction progressed into the new year, the first of these shafts signaled a major shift from planning to execution, a moment that marked the beginning of the most technically demanding phase of the project. 

Huxted Trenchless entered this phase with a reputation built on accuracy and discipline. Their crews specialize in excavation shoring, the craft of stabilizing deep excavations so that tunneling can proceed safely and without movement. This work is essential because the stability of each shaft directly determines the accuracy of the tunnel that launches from it. Micro-tunneling relies on laser guidance, and even a slight shift in the shaft walls can throw an entire crossing off grade. Huxted's experience with Florida's dense clay, saturated sands, and stubborn limestone layers gives them an advantage few contractors can match. Their ability to create watertight, perfectly aligned, structurally sound shafts is the reason they were selected for this responsibility, and their role has become central to the success of the entire pipeline. 

Supporting this effort required equipment capable of matching the geological challenges beneath the surface. The contractor brought in the ICE® 44 Vibratory Hammer, paired with the Hydrauli‑Flex™ hose system, a combination chosen for both strength and reliability. The ICE® 44 delivers more than two hundred tons of centrifugal force, enough to drive sheet piles straight and deep through every soil layer encountered along the alignment. Its power ensures that each sheet reaches full depth without bending or meeting refusal, which is essential when the shaft must remain perfectly aligned for excavation shoring and micro-tunneling. The Hydrauli‑Flex™ hose system enhances the hammer's performance by maintaining smooth hydraulic flow and reducing vibration transfer, allowing the equipment to operate consistently under heavy load. Together, they form a dependable pairing that supports the precision Huxted requires to build shafts that will not shift, leak, or deform as tunneling progresses. 

With the first sheets now in the ground, the community can see the project moving forward in a meaningful way. Every completed shaft brings the region closer to a more resilient water future, one that will support homes, businesses, and public services for decades. 

Residents across Central Florida, along with the teams at International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) and the project partners, offer their appreciation to Huxted Trenchless for their dedication to this work. Their skill and commitment are truly shaping an infrastructure system that will serve generations, and the community recognizes the value of the effort they bring to the ground each day. Bravo to the entire Huxted Trenchless team! 

Learn more about the ICE® 44  

Need Hydraulic Hose Fast? We've Got You Covered.        

Whether you're running a crane, excavator, or keeping your shop truck in top shape, downtime isn't an option--and neither is settling for second-rate parts. At HydraulicHose.com, we stock the exact hose kits, bundles, fittings, and adapters your equipment demands.          

From high-pressure lines to custom assemblies, we carry the hose they use--built to perform, built to last.         

Shop now and keep your machines moving.          

Media Contact-              
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA           
Vice President         
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc           
The Hose Company         
Office - 704-821-8200        
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com 

As a bridgeless, boat access only community, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, relies entirely on its marine infrastructure as a lifeline to the mainland. Every single resource, from daily groceries and emergency services to construction materials and residential transport, depends on a reliable waterfront. To safeguard this vital connection and support the broader $40 million multi-year Project Harmony investment launched by the Haig Point Club & Community Association, a comprehensive overhaul of the community transfer facilities is underway. Myrick Marine was selected to execute this high stakes renovation, which focuses on replacing the aging Haig Point floating barge dock to significantly improve waterfront safety, accessibility, and long-term transit logistics. 

Operating in an isolated island environment poses immediate logistical hurdles, requiring self-contained, heavy lift marine support. To manage the heavy lifting required for these upgrades, Myrick Marine deployed their specialized floating crane and tug barge fleet. The structural core of the project demands the installation of interlocking steel sheet piling to construct protective bulkheads and shoreline seawalls, as well as the driving of large diameter steel pipe piles, ranging from 18"- 32" (in), to serve as massive foundation and guide piles for the newly modernized floating dock. This marine phase is the absolute operational foundation for the island's next several years of development, streamlining the efficiency of deliveries to ensure the productivity of builders. 

To handle both the extraction of decaying infrastructure and the installation of new foundation elements, Myrick Marine is utilizing an ICE® 44 Vibratory Hammer, supplied by International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®), paired with durable Hydrauli Flex™ hoses. The selection of the ICE® 44 was strategic, balancing a need for raw power with the delicate environmental realities of coastal South Carolina. Dense coastal sands and notorious regional "pluff" mud create challenging driving conditions, but the ICE® 44 overcomes them by delivering the highest driving force in its class; generating a massive 207 tons of driving force and a maximum frequency of 1800 vibrations per minute (vpm) to rapidly reduce soil resistance the surrounding soil and sink the large piles smoothly under their own weight. 

Beyond raw power, the hammer provides essential marine adaptability for the crew. By swapping out the bottom clamps, Myrick Marine's team can easily transition from driving flat steel sheets to gripping the massive round pipe piles with a single hammer. Additionally, the vibratory system was selected to meet the strict environmental parameters of the coastal site. The ICE® 44 operates with low ground vibration and reduced sound levels, successfully protecting the peace of island residents and safeguarding the sensitive local marine ecosystem, including local Atlantic dolphins and fish. When it comes to removing old, damaged timber or steel pilings, the unit superior extraction capabilities, the unit's superior extraction capabilities providing between 80 - 100 tons of line pull, allows the team to cleanly pull up the decaying assets from the seabed. 

The successful progress of the Haig Point facilities represents a monumental victory for the local population. By securing this transit hub, Myrick Marine has not only guaranteed a safer, more efficient gateway for daily commuters and visitors, but they have also laid the physical foundation required for future growth, including an upcoming multi-year golf course restoration stretching through 2029 and the construction of over one hundred new residential homes. ICE® extends its sincere appreciation to the Daufuskie Island community for their support and patience during construction and congratulates the entire Myrick Marine team on their exceptional execution and partnership on this landmark infrastructure project.  

Learn more about the ICE® 44 

Need Hydraulic Hose Fast? We've Got You Covered.       

Whether you're running a crane, excavator, or keeping your shop truck in top shape, downtime isn't an option--and neither is settling for second-rate parts. At HydraulicHose.com, we stock the exact hose kits, bundles, fittings, and adapters your equipment demands.         

From high-pressure lines to custom assemblies, we carry the hose they use--built to perform, built to last.        

Shop now and keep your machines moving.         

Media Contact-             
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA          
Vice President        
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc          
The Hose Company        
Office - 704-821-8200       
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com