Port of Tampa Expansion Implements PIANC-Recommended Cone Fender Design

Berth 214, measuring approximately 396 m (1,300 ft) in length, is the latest addition to the ongoing expansion of the Port of Tampa, Florida. The federally funded project is designed to further strengthen the port's cargo handling capacity and competitiveness, supporting trade throughout the Caribbean while reinforcing its role as one of the region's key maritime gateways.

ShibataFenderTeam was appointed to design, manufacture and deliver the fender systems for the new berth. The scope of supply comprised 23 Cone Fender Systems, each equipped with closed-box steel panels measuring 2438x2743 mm (8x9 ft). In accordance with the project's Buy America requirements, all steel components were manufactured in the United States.

During the engineering phase, a key aspect of the project involved reviewing the original fender concept against the recommendations of the latest PIANC 2024 Fender Guidelines. The initial design incorporated inverted cone fenders, a configuration that can result in reduced stability and shorter service life in certain applications. The PIANC 2024 Fender Guidelines recommend installing cone fenders with the larger foot base connected to the supporting structure as the standard installation orientation. Accordingly, the final design adopted this configuration, providing a more robust and durable solution for long-term operation.

Beyond the engineering design, the project also presented manufacturing and logistical considerations. Compliance with Buy American requirements required all steel components to be sourced and manufactured domestically, demanding careful coordination of procurement, fabrication and project scheduling. Working closely with the contractor, ShibataFenderTeam ensured these requirements were successfully integrated into the overall project programme.

The delivery of Berth 214 represents the ninth panel system reference supplied by ShibataFenderTeam for the Port of Tampa, further strengthening a long-standing relationship with one of the company's most established port references in the United States.

At the same time, the project demonstrates the importance of combining project-specific engineering with internationally recognised industry guidance to deliver reliable and durable berth infrastructure while meeting both technical and domestic manufacturing requirements (#1542).