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MARINE & PORTS
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Science-Based Forensic Solutions We use relentless critical thinking and the latest technology to tackle complex engineering challenges, prevent issues, and deliver holistic solutions. Our findings are grounded in advanced science, sophisticated analysis, technical rigor, the right resources, and expertise across a wide range of disciplines and specialties.
Litigation Support
Pre-Loss Support
Emergency Response
Post-Loss Support
Insurance
Accident & Personal Injury Investigations
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Leaders in Forensics
150
Marine & Ports Expertise Case Studies
COUNTRIES WORKED IN
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US STATES WHERE WE’VE WORKED
45+
OFFICES WORLDWIDE
1,800+
ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SCIENTISTS & OTHER PROFESSIONALS
14K+
PROJECT PORTFOLIO
70+
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Global Team, Local Knowledge With teams all over the world, we’re where you are. We have a unique understanding of the local regions our offices serve. And with a global workforce, we’re ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice, no matter where your project is located. 3
EXPERTISE IN MARINE & PORTS
100+ P ROJ ECTS Whether it’s an accident, claim or dispute, catastrophic failure, or gradual performance degradation, our integrated expertise in naval architecture; marine engineering; structural, mechanical, and electrical; and fire engineering can help you get back to business.
Sustainable & Resilient Solutions
Proactive & Collaborative
We draw on decades of experience in complex onshore and offshore investigations to uncover root causes, assess contributing factors, evaluate damage and provide reliable analyses to resolve even the most complex challenges. Our goal? To improve the safety, efficiency and long-term viability of marine and port operations.
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Creative Solutions for Complex Challenges
Integrated Expertise
STRUCTURAL & ARCHITECTURAL MARINE ENGINEERING & OPERATIONS
INFRASTRUCTURE & CIVIL
Innovative Technology FIRE BLAST SHOCK VIBRATION
Forensics & Investigations
MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
MATERIAL SCIENCE INDUSTRIAL & PROCESS
Local Experience, Global Expertise
NAVAL ARCHITECTURE
Multidisciplinary Response & Remediation
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MARINE & PORTS FORENSICS EXPERTISE
Comprehensive, Integrated Services When things go wrong, you need more than technical answers – you need clear, reliable solutions. Our forensic approach combines deep investigative experience with a practical understanding of real-world conditions. We offer a comprehensive suite of multidisciplinary services that deliver actionable findings you can trust.
ADVANCED ANALYSIS
OPERATIONS & OFFSHORE
Structural & Material Failure Analysis Collision, Multibody Analysis, Allision & Capsize Chemical & Material Analysis Corrosion & Coating Defect Analysis Fire & Explosion Forensics & Investigations Fire Protection & Detection System Evaluation Renewables & Batteries Decarbonization Hydrogen Engineering Flooding, Effects of Rising Water Levels
Lifeboats & Fast Rescue Craft Offshore Crew Transfers Safety Management Systems Crane & Lifting Equipment Failure Analysis Offshore Platforms, Oil & Gas
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MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ANALYSIS
ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY
Industrial & Process Analysis Engine or Mechanical System Failure Root Cause Analysis Equipment Damage & Breakdown Assessment Equipment Loss & Mitigation Consulting Electrical System Assessment & Analysis Automation & Control System Failure Investigation Dynamic Positioning (DP) System Assessment & Testing Cable Lay & Pipelay
Structural Geotechnical Site-Civil & Infrastructure Piers & Terminals Risk Assessment Security & Crowd Modeling Shock & Vibration
NAVAL ARCHITECTURE
VISUALIZATION SERVICES
Vessel Structural Design, Damage & Failure Vessel Stability & Structure Reviews Hydrostatic, Dynamic, CFD & Flooded Structure Studies Dry Dock, Graving Dock & Ship-Lifting Studies Mooring, Towing & Anchoring Evaluation Sea Fastening & Cargo Stowage Evaluation Salvage Support Engineering Accident Reconstruction & Modeling Full-Ship Shock Testing
Technical Illustrations Data Visualization Demonstratives Photogrammetry Point-Cloud Generation Digital Documentation Reality Capture Infographics
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Case Studies
V ES S E L SYST E M D ES IG N R E V IE W, R IS K A NALYS I S & SA F E T Y E N HA N C E M E N T S Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Our team reviewed the designs of the steam and condensate handling systems on four feeder container ships, identified options for safe operations and maintenance, and made recommendations for upgrades to the ships’ instrumentation. Our deep dive into these marine systems helped chart a smoother course for these hardworking vessels. The goal? To boost performance and safety across the fleet.
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Leaders in Forensics Marine & Ports Expertise Case Studies
© Joe Aker, Aker Imaging
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A LL SYSTEMS G O!
Our mechanical engineering team surveyed and reviewed the design and installed piping and safety systems to improve the steam systems onboard. 9
Case Studies
SH I P S ERVI C E D IES E L G E N E RATO R E N G INE R OOT CAU S E A N A LYS IS Beaumont, Texas
Working on behalf of the insurer, we investigated the cause of a major diesel engine failure after replacement of the mechanical speed control governor. After reviewing the available evidence, our team identified the root cause and additional contributing factors of the failure. Based on our findings, we provided clear recommendations to mitigate this type of failure in the future.
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THE RO OT O F THE PROB L EM
Our marine engineering specialist analyzed the installation and commissioning of the new governor but also discovered a previous retrofit of the control systems, which contributed to the failure of engine safety devices. 11
Case Studies
COMMERCIAL PORT SEAWALL FAILURE INVESTIGATION Alaska
Our investigation into the failure of a steel sheet pile bulkhead at a commercial port – as well as an unsuccessful repair attempt – determined that the failure was progressive, originating from latent pile damage during driving. Extreme tidal fluctuations, poorly compacted backfill, notch-sensitive materials in cold weather, welding defects, and a nonredundant structural system then combined to allow the initial defect to propagate to failure.
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MEETING THE CHA L L EN GE
To ensure the timely collection of critical data and wrap up the investigation on a fast-tracked schedule, our team made several short-notice site visits to the remote location, often facing turbulent weather conditions. 13
Case Studies
PORT FAC I L I T Y E A RT HQ UA K E R ES P ONS E & AS S ES S M E N T Wellington, New Zealand
Following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, we opened an office in Wellington to support local response efforts. Drawing on our structural, civil and geotechnical expertise, we assessed earthquake damage across the high-profile port’s full asset portfolio, including docks, wharves, seawalls, cranes, and buildings, and stabilized the surrounding sites. Our initial focus was on restoring critical operations, prioritizing essential facilities and sites known to contain hazardous materials.
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SURF & TURF
Our engineers documented conditions from both land and sea to help stabilize hazardous areas and restore port operations safely and efficiently. 15
Case Studies
E VALUAT I ON O F S HIP A L L IS IO N AT COAL- LOA DI N G FAC IL IT Y Baltimore, Maryland
We performed a structural evaluation of damage to a pier and shiploader after a cargo ship allision. Damage included bending and buckling of individual structural members of the shiploader gantry and traveler, as well as a global bend in the gantry. A large section of the pier’s fender system was also damaged.
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WHAT’S THE DA MAGE?
Our structural evaluation helped ascertain the full extent of the damage, ensure the safety and functionality of the shiploader, and facilitate decision-making regarding its repair, restoration and continued use. 17
Case Studies
PH OS P H AT E- LOA D IN G FAC IL IT Y P IE R COL L AP S E I NV EST IG AT IO N Tampa, Florida
After a pier collapse caused a shiploader to fall into the water, Thornton Tomasetti was hired to investigate. Our engineers determined that the collapse was due to the failure of the concrete pier beneath one of the loader’s supports. Site observations and drawing reviews revealed that the failure was caused by corrosion in the steel prestressing strands within the precast girders and the steel tension rods in the pier’s reinforcing system.
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A THORO UG H STUDY
In addition to their primary findings, our team located and identified signs of damage caused by saltwater corrosion to steel and concrete throughout the pier. 19
Case Studies
CONVE YOR SYST E M FAI LU R E I NVEST IG AT IO N Port of Rosedale, Mississippi
We investigated the collapse of a steel truss-supported conveyor at a Helena Chemical facility and assisted with evidence preservation and evaluation of the structure. Our investigation uncovered design and construction flaws, which supported legal action against the contractor. We also designed a new truss and repair details for the conveyor structure, helping the facility to quickly get back up and running for the crucial fall season.
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PROGRESS THROUG H TEA MWO RK
Our collaboration with the fabricator and erector allowed for a fast-paced replacement to meet the client’s demanding schedule. 21
Case Studies
SH I P LOA DE R R O OT- CAU S E FAI LU R E ANA LYS IS Lake Charles, Louisiana
After a shiploader failed, portions of its spout and trolley detached and fell into Contraband Bayou in Lake Charles. We investigated the cause of the failure, as well as the cause and extent of the damage. By conducting field observations, avoiding costly disassembly of the equipment, we were able to determine that the failure had been caused by human error.
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FA ILED SA FETIES
Our investigation also revealed that the system’s safety mechanisms had failed to engage, contributing to the extent of the damage. 23
Case Studies
FENDER SYSTE M DA M AG E AS S ES S M E N T Lake Charles, Louisiana
We assessed the damage and determined the cause of failure for a timber port fender system. The damage was initially thought to have resulted from ongoing wind pressure from a ship docked at the port. However, after examining the structure and reviewing the weather conditions at the time of the incident, our engineers found that the actual cause was deterioration of the steel straps that secured the timber fenders supporting the cleats where the ship had been moored.
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STRA PPED FO R TIM E
The steel straps had weakened over time, eventually leading to the failure of the port’s fender system. 25
Case Studies
MANH AT TA N C R U IS E T E R M IN A L SI T E AS S ES S M E N T, P IE R S 8 8 , 9 0 & 9 4 New York, New York
Our team conducted a structural assessment of the above-water superstructures of Piers 88, 90, and 94 to evaluate their overall condition and document any structural or nonstructural deficiencies. The inspection was carried out in conjunction with an underwater diving team. The combined teams recorded their findings and provided recommendations for any repairs that were needed.
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HA ND-EYE REVIEW
We performed visual and hands-on review of columns, floor beams, roof beams, slabs, roof trusses, braces, and nonstructural elements. 27
Case Studies
POST- H U R R I CA N E P O RT & S H I P LOADE R E VA LUAT IO N Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Two days after Hurricane Odile slammed into Baja California Sur in 2014, causing widespread devastation, we arrived in Santa Rosalia to assess the impact on the local port. Our work included inspecting a damaged mineral conveyor, shiploader, control systems, mooring equipment, and berthing dolphins (structures used to secure ships). We determined the extent of damage and recommended repairs necessary for restoring operations.
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THE BROA DER SCO PE
We also provided support for loss adjustment and reviewed reinstatement plans and schedules. 29
Case Studies
SH I P AL L I S I ON W IT H M OVA B L E B R ID G E E NGI NE E R I NG S U P P O RT & R E PA IRS Wayne County, Michigan
The West Jefferson Avenue–Rouge River Bridge, a historic double-leaf bascule bridge built in 1922, carries four lanes of traffic, with sidewalks on both sides. After it was damaged by a vessel allision in May 2013, we provided engineering support for the repairs. This included laser scanning of the structure, designing repairs of the steel where the impact had occurred, and implementing updates to the truss, floor system, bracing, bascule pier, and mechanical components.
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FIM’S THE WORD
The 3D laser scan formed the basis for a forensic information model (FIM), a structured digital simulation used to investigate, document, and analyze infrastructure damage after an incident. 31
Case Studies
PI E R ST R U CT U RA L INS P ECT I ON & E VA LUAT IO N Key West, Florida
We evaluated structural deficiencies of this concrete and wood pier system. The primary concern was structural deterioration, especially where the ramp connected to the facility’s outdoor deck. Our inspection covered the underwater steel and concrete bulkhead, as well as the exterior deck, which is made of composite decking on wood joists, supported by doubled joists. The foundation consisted of concrete piles on coral.
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THE RESULTS A RE IN
We identified structural distress and provided recommendations for necessary repairs, focusing on the primary framing, deck joists, foundation, and concrete piles. 33
Case Studies
C L I M AT E- R ES IL IE N T P IE R D ES I GN ST U DY St. Petersburg, Florida
In 2020, St. Petersburg’s historic pier was replaced with a revitalized pier and park featuring bike paths, fishing piers, and jogging trails. It was built to withstand one foot of sea level rise, 100-year storm surges, and category 4 hurricanes. We led the structural design of key components, including the education center, pavilion, tilted lawn, and pier head building, and developed the geostructural design for the new bridge deck, piles, and seawall.
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A PENNY SAVED
Our geostructural experts analyzed and developed the bridge deck design, enabling the team to reduce the number of pile supports and decrease material and installation costs. 35
Case Studies
PI E R –BAR GE A L L IS IO N AS S ES S M E N T Chicago, Illinois
We assisted in evaluating structural damage to a historic waterfront facility at Chicago’s Navy Pier following an incident in which a barge used seasonally as a floating haunted house collided with the structure and was later impacted by wave action. The barge was left partially submerged. Our team conducted a thorough inspection, documented all visible damage, and compiled a comprehensive report outlining recommended repairs and associated cost estimates.
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IMAGE IS EVERYTHIN G
We used drone imagery to create 3D models (example at left) of the damaged concrete along the side of the pier, which aided our development of the repair scope and drawings. 37
CO N TACT A N EXP ERT
We partner with clients to create enduring solutions. Our engineers, architects, scientists, and sustainability experts collaborate from offices worldwide to bring your goals to fruition. There’s no challenge we won’t tackle with strategic insight, robust collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
We’d like to start with yours.
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Melissa Hertel, PE
Elisa Paone, PE, CFEI
Vice President
Principal
MHertel@ThorntonTomasetti.com
EPaone@ThorntonTomasetti.com
+1.206.336.7738
+1.212.839.5206
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ELECTRICAL ANALYSIS
Thomas L. Berry, PE
Francesca Brando, PhD
Senior Vice President
Associate Principal
TBerry@ThorntonTomasetti.com
FBrando@ThorntonTomasetti.com
+1.213.330.7007
+1.212.367.2927
INDUSTRIAL & PROCESS
INFRASTRUCTURE & STRUCTURES
James Cain, PE
Stan Raykhman
Vice President
Vice President
JCain@ThorntonTomasetti.com
SRaykhman@ThorntonTomasetti.com
+1.346.241.9539
+1.917.661.8192
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Lake Charles Port & Terminal District Lake Charles, Louisiana