Floating dock helps meet demand for superyacht berthing

A one-of-a-kind deepwater superyacht berth has been installed at Safe Harbor Rybovich – Berth One in Palm Beach, Florida. Measuring 390ft (119m) in total length, the floating concrete dock was commissioned in response to demand from superyacht owners and captains.

Vance Marine Construction installed six SF Marina Type 2060 floating concrete pontoons to create an L-shaped arrangement, with a 140ft (43m) section perpendicular to shore and a 250ft (76m) section facing south toward the Port of Palm Beach. A generous 20ft (6m) in width, the docks have a 36in (0.9m) freeboard with a double row of 4 x 6in (10 x 15cm) timber rub rails to accommodate a wide range of vessel sizes.
Vance also drove 12 new 30in (76cm) steel piles in an offset pattern that allows small vehicles to service superyachts on either side of the dock. The piles ride within SF Marina’s innovative guides that feature safety covers and cushion block technology for silent movement during the 3ft (0.9m) tide. Integrated utility ducts in the pontoons are supplied for future installation of water, power, fuel and waste removal capability. Oversized ship bollards are rated for 25 tons.
The pontoons were manufactured in SF Marina’s factory in Sweden and transported to the USA by ship.
www.sfmarinausa.com