Due to its critical function, this essential port is currently receiving over $77 million for infrastructure and expansion projects. Some of the fundamental parts of this project will include the construction of a highway bridge entering the port, three new ship berths, a new bulk warehouse, two new railyards, and an industrial site development throughout the 600-acre port. Such a strategic location will provide local steel, agriculture, and manufacturing businesses with the opportunity to grow within the port's footprint. 

Earlier this year, Lakes & Rivers Contracting (L&R) was selected to take on a monumental marine project--installing pipe piles for a future ship unloading zone. Known for their expertise in marine and heavy construction, the L&R team was tasked with placing eight 36" diameter x .75" wall x 100-foot spiral weld pipe piles on a 3:1 batter, a challenge that required significant power and precision. However, the crew didn't have a hammer in their fleet capable of handling such massive piles. Given the offshore location, swinging leads weren't ideal, making offshore leads the clear choice. 

After consulting with their trusted partners at International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®), L&R secured an ICE® I-62 Diesel Hammer paired with offshore leads--an optimal match for the scale and complexity of the job. To adapt to the steep pile angle, custom rigging was fabricated, ensuring the hammer and leads could align properly on the 3:1 batter. 

Despite the tight timeline and demanding offshore conditions, L&R successfully drove a 400-ton capacity test pile--demonstrating the precision and reliability needed to move the project forward and expand future mooring capabilities.