Port of Seattle uses new plastic pilings

American Construction Company of Tacoma is driving these innovative plastic and fibre glass fender piles into the ship canal, replacing the aging creosote treated wood piles currently there. Once driven as much as 20 feet (6 m) into the ground, the pilings will be connected to the dock. These piles will act as a buffer between a ship or barge and the wooden docks, protecting and lengthening the useful life of the dock.

Since these composite pilings are relatively new technology, the Port of Seattle is leading the way in the Puget Sound to test what could to be a clean, green product that will help protect the Ship Canal and the fish that either live there or pass through en route to their spawning habitat.

The composite plastic fender piles have many advantages including considerable shock absorption capabilities and what is anticipated to be a longer life expectancy, and may be a good alternative to wood or steel fender piles. Since this is a pilot programme, the Port of Seattle will observe how these new pilings perform in their new role before using them at other facilities.