Baltimore Rebuilds Marine Fire & Rescue Docks

Since 1859, the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) has steadfastly protected its city, including its harbor. As a major shipping port, its fire and rescue vessels are tasked with rendering aid at a moment’s notice to a wide range of responses, including the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. That’s why when the department decided to rebuild its docks, it chose the proven durability, reliability and safety of a floating concrete dock system from SF Marina.

While relatively sheltered from weather extremes, the existing dock array was deteriorating badly and undersized for the station’s current and future needs. Additionally, it didn’t provide the stability necessary for first responders to safely access their vessels.

Chesapeake, Virginia-based Mclean Contracting installed SF Marina’s 1200 Series floating concrete pontoons. Engineered for commercial use, the armored dock sections have a low center of gravity that provides unprecedented stability. Their low freeboard makes it easy to board any of the BCFD’s smaller boats, while a stainless steel cantilevered ramp system allows fast access to the larger vessels. Power and water are routed through integrated utility ducts. Mclean also installed boat lift systems, walkway lighting, HD galvanized ship cleats, and mooring dolphins for adaptability and expansion. The overall dock system fully integrates into the fire station’s fixed structures.

Located near the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the BCFD fleet includes a Class A fireboat with two 3,500 GPM pumps and two shallow-draft Class C fire rescue boats that can deliver up to 1,500 GPM.

Gothenburg, Sweden-based SF Marina engineers and builds floating concrete breakwaters and dock pontoons, and related marine structures. With an impressive international network of offices and manufacturing sites, it can transport its products anywhere in the world and has completed numerous recreational and commercial marina projects around the globe.