The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) embarked on an ambitious endeavor to establish Kingston Harbor as a premier cruise destination. The project involved the installation of the SEAWALK® System for cruise passenger egress at Port Royal, a "World Heritage Site" and the location of the "sunken city." Notably, this marked the inaugural deployment of the SEAWALK system outside of continental Northern Europe. Orion played a pivotal role in this milestone, collaborating closely with SEAWALK Systems to design the foundational support for the innovative "Floating Gangway."

The SEAWALK system, spanning over 228ft, showcased a unique design, folding into three sections through the use of hydraulic thrusters mounted on its floating cells. To optimize the system's functionality, a multi-level 14'x16' concrete foundation was meticulously constructed. This foundation, supported by robust 36” diameter steel pipe piles, featured a center pin connection facilitating the SEAWALK's rotation and vertical displacement.

Ensuring safe passenger access to the SEAWALK system, a 90ft x 14ft timber-decked walkway access trestle was incorporated. This walkway, supported by 36” steel pipe piles and steel pile bent caps, provided a secure pathway for passengers. Additionally, a 36” steel pile monopile dolphin served the purpose of mooring the SEAWALK system when in its stowed position.

Our Engineering & Consulting team designed a 300MT bow mooring dolphin at the waterside of the upland development. This dolphin played a crucial role in minimizing vessel yaw during mooring, ensuring optimal alignment with the SEAWALK alongside. The design featured a 36ft x 32ft concrete mooring dolphin, founded on six 48” diameter x 145ft long piles arranged in a radial pattern at a ratio of 1:1.5. Two 150MT single bitt bollards facilitated efficient mooring of bow lines for calling vessels, while the rear was securely held by a buried anchor supplied by SEAWALK Systems.

Despite the project's complexity, it was fast-tracked to meet the stringent schedule requirements of PAJ. Remarkably, the SEAWALK System was commissioned and operational within just 8 months of the Notice to Proceed (NTP), underscoring the efficiency and success of the collaborative efforts between Orion and SEAWALK Systems.