Tampa expands modern berth infrastructure

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The Port of Tampa has completed another milestone in its expansion programme with the delivery of Berth 214, a development designed to increase cargo handling capacity and strengthen the Florida port’s position as a major gateway for Caribbean trade.

The new berth, measuring approximately 396 metres (1,300 feet) in length, forms part of a federally funded investment aimed at improving operational efficiency and supporting future growth in cargo volumes. The expansion is expected to enhance the port’s competitiveness by providing modern infrastructure capable of accommodating increasing demand.

Port of Tampa Expansion Implements PIANC-Recommended Cone Fender Design

Source: ShibataFenderTeam

Port of Tampa’s new berth is boosting cargo capacity with durable fender technology from ShibataFenderTeam

ShibataFenderTeam was selected to design, manufacture and supply the berth’s fender system, delivering 23 cone fender systems fitted with closed-box steel panels measuring 2,438mm by 2,743mm (8ft by 9ft). In line with the project’s Buy America requirements, all steel components were manufactured in the US, supporting domestic industry while meeting federal procurement standards.

A significant element of the engineering work involved reviewing the original fender arrangement against the latest PIANC 2024 Fender Guidelines, which provide internationally recognised recommendations for port infrastructure design. The original concept specified inverted cone fenders, but the final design adopted the guideline-recommended orientation, with the larger foot base connected to the supporting structure.

The revised configuration is expected to improve stability, increase durability and extend the operational life of the fender system, reducing long-term maintenance requirements while providing more reliable protection for both vessels and berth structures.

The project also required coordination of procurement, fabrication and delivery to comply with domestic manufacturing rules without affecting construction schedules.

Berth 214 marks the ninth panel system supplied by ShibataFenderTeam to the Port of Tampa, reflecting an established working relationship between the company and one of the United States’ busiest ports.