80 percent of global goods are now transported by sea--and a third of those shipments are oil. Why does this matter? 

Electronic commerce has caused the volume of ocean shipping to rise, but the number of seaports has not. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses closed their brick-and-mortar locations. Shipments at docks were abandoned, leaving exporters with fewer shipping containers to use. Furthermore, as we navigate the tail end of the pandemic, demand for commodities such as crude oil is nearing pre-pandemic levels. This can be a big bottleneck for companies like PBF Energy, one of the largest independent petroleum suppliers in the U.S (United States). 

PBF Energy sells petroleum-based products including gasoline, heating oil, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel. By using marine vessels, pipelines, trucks, and rail, the company can link its refineries with suppliers and customers; however, crowded routes are becoming more of an issue. To address current freight port congestion, PBF is constructing a dock on Delaware River near its terminal in Paulsboro, NJ, designed for unloading bulk liquids & petroleum products. Upon completion, this project will help reduce wait time for shipping containers and costs for importers and exporters. 

Commerce Construction has worked on almost every facility on the Delaware River, so they knew exactly what equipment this project would require. Using their own ICE® 28D Vibratory Hammer, Commerce is driving 12" (in) plumb and battered pipe piles that will support the dock. While driving smaller piles can be a challenge, Commerce Construction wisely purchased an ICE® 99 Dunce Clamp to add onto their hammer. The rounded jaw system of this clamp makes driving small pile a seamless process allowing for better clamping pressure when lifting and driving pipe piles smaller than 18" (in) in diameter. 

Congratulations Commerce Construction on their newly owned ICE® vibratory hammer and clamp set, as well as their continued success on this important project for PBF! International Construction Equipment, Inc looks forward to servicing and maintaining their machinery as they skillfully work to "seas" port congestion. 

Learn more about ICE®'s selection of clamps and clamping systems and the ICE® 28D.