The existing fendering system at the Port of Tacoma’s Terminal 4 was not adequate to handle the size and class of ship currently operating there. Consequently, the Port hired Tetra Tech INCA to study potential fender alternatives that would provide outstanding pier fender protection without interrupting service.

The selected fender pile system consists of modules spaced 80-feet on center. Each fender module has two steel pipe piles driven vertically to position and support a prefabricated fender panel. This fender panel has two steel pipe sleeves which slide over the fender piles and two additional steel pipes oriented vertically.