Alyeska Seafoods Dock Repair
West completely rebuilt Alyeska Seafoods’ dock in Dutch Harbor, Alaska and replaced the structural support under Alyeska’s existing plant while fish processing operations at the plant were in full progress. The work included the removal of 200 existing timber piles, which were replaced with 80 new galvanized steel piling; the removal of 15,000 square feet of the existing dock surface and timber stringers, which were replaced with new treated timber stringers and decking; and the removal of 250 timber fender piles, which were replaced with 200 galvanized steel piles. The work also included the installation of seven heavy dock fender units and the reconstruction of building foundations under the existing plant buildings. This work was performed utilizing West's marine fleet.
The work associated with reconstructing the dock had to be phased in sections and closely coordinated with fishing vessel traffic in order to accommodate Alyeska’s ongoing fish processing operations. Further, West had to carefully plan the staging of construction materials because the work area was very congested and was an active dock. The work required to remove and replace the structural pile foundation members under the existing plant buildings was a particular challenge on this project. West met this challenge by devising a sophisticated plan using jacks and wedges to raise the existing buildings to provide the necessary clearance to perform the work and by cutting access holes in the plant floor at strategic locations.
West performed 100% of the work with its own forces. Project quality was ensured by carefully monitoring construction processes and procedures and by maintaining an environment of open and cooperative communication with the client and the client’s on-site representatives. The total cost of the project was $4.6 million. The project cost was less than the original contract value because West developed some innovative construction procedures involving the replacement of foundation structural members that saved the client a significant amount of money and allowed for a reduction in the scope of work.