The Port of Tampa, Florida, has added Berth 214, measuring approximately 396 metres (1,300 feet) in length, to its ongoing expansion programme.
The federally funded project is designed to further strengthen the port’s cargo handling capacity and competitiveness, supporting trade throughout the Caribbean while reinforcing its role as one of the region’s key maritime gateways.
ShibataFenderTeam was appointed to design, manufacture and deliver the fender systems for the new berth. The scope of supply comprised 23 cone fender systems, each fitted with closed-box steel panels measuring 2,438 x 2,743 mm (8 x 9 ft). In line with the project’s Buy America requirements, all steel components were manufactured in the United States.
During the engineering phase, a key part of the project involved reviewing the original fender concept against the recommendations of the latest PIANC 2024 Fender Guidelines. The initial design incorporated inverted cone fenders, a configuration that can result in reduced stability and shorter service life in certain applications.
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The PIANC 2024 Fender Guidelines recommend installing cone fenders with the larger foot base connected to the supporting structure as the standard installation orientation. The final design adopted this configuration, providing a more robust and durable solution for long-term operation.
Beyond the engineering design, the project also brought manufacturing and logistical considerations to the fore. Compliance with Buy America requirements meant all steel components had to be sourced and manufactured domestically, demanding careful coordination of procurement, fabrication and project scheduling.
Working closely with the contractor, ShibataFenderTeam ensured these requirements were integrated into the overall project programme.
The delivery of Berth 214 marks the ninth panel system reference supplied by ShibataFenderTeam for the Port of Tampa, further strengthening a long-standing relationship with one of the company’s most established port references in the US.
For more information:
Port Tampa Bay – https://www.porttb.com/
