Extension of a container terminal – Phase 1

The extension and rehabilitation of the port of Kingston represented a strategic issue for Jamaica. The aim was to be able to dock the New Panamax container vessels with larger capacities dimensioned for the new Panama Canal.

The port of Kingston would thus become one of the main container terminals in the Caribbean and a regional hub.

The structures are dimensioned to withstand earthquakes, cyclones and the loads of the New Panamax vessels.

The works include:

• reinforcement of 1200 m of existing dock, with installation of a continuous pile curtain
• tracks and anchorings for the new port cranes; with driven tubular piles and H piles
• restoration of 50,000 m² of hard standing for traffic
• dredging of an access channel

Campaign of investigations

• 280 pressuremeter tests
• 12 permeability tests in 11 40 m deep boreholes

Assistance and supervision 

• 9 boreholes 40 m deep with 250 SPTs 
• 20 CPTs with a 20-tonne pusher unit

Geophysical mission

• Evaluation of the length of the existing piles, including taking geophysical measurements by the Parallel Seismic method and impedance/reflection (MSP)

Engineering 

• Processing and interpretation of the in situ test data, interface with the VCGP engineering department