9 Essential Things To Know About Marine Construction

Marine construction has been practiced for years. However, many people might have not heard much about it.

Marine construction is necessary to improve trade and logistics but can result in undesirable outcomes when done mindlessly.

Lack of knowledge about this field has led to improper construction practices and poor management. It has drastically harmed people and the environment.

So, employing sustainable technologies can play a crucial role in opening doors to innovative career possibilities and making eco-friendly advancements in commerce.

Here are 9 essential things to know about marine construction.

1. The Different Types

Marine construction includes various structures such as docks, seawalls, and embankments. Each of them serves a specific purpose.

Docks primarily provide a safe spot for loading and unloading boats. They are built in several shapes and configurations. The design of a dock depends on factors like activity in the area, weather conditions, boat traffic, and water depth.

Seawalls serve as a barrier for the coastline. They prevent the area from being flooded and protect the nearby properties. They are usually constructed with materials like granite and limestone.

Also known as retainer walls, embankments are essential to prevent erosion. These are parallel structures that restrict the movement of water in a particular direction. 

2. Construction Materials

The type of materials used in marine construction is important because the final structure should be able to resist the force of water. Some of the commonly used materials include steel, concrete, and aluminum.

Stainless steel is one of the strongest materials out there. It does not rust easily and is, therefore, an ideal choice for building pipe structures in offshore construction. Steel alloys are also preferred due to their impressive mechanical strength.

Concrete is combined with other aggregates to make ‘marine concrete’. As the name suggests, this material is suitable for building structures in coastal environments.

Like steel, aluminum demonstrates great resistance to corrosion and is a favorite lightweight material among marine engineers. Marine-grade aluminum can withstand harsh elements and possesses good rigidity.

3. Methods and Techniques

Construction near water bodies is markedly different from that on land. The techniques vary a lot and are often specific to marine conditions.

Dredging helps create a flat and solid foundation for underwater structures. It involves removing debris and other items that might block pumping and production if left undisturbed.

Hyperbaric welding refers to welding in a high-pressure environment. Since pressure increases as we go deeper into the sea, this method is helpful when underwater structures like offshore oil platforms, dams, or bridges need to be repaired or replaced.

Marine piling involves building a supporting base for the main underwater structures. Piles are driven into the water bed with drills to lay down solid foundations for the structures.

Dynamic positioning helps maintain the position of ships and other marine vehicles by using an automated computer mechanism.

4. Environmental Impact

As mentioned earlier, marine construction projects involve certain environmental risks. Being aware of these consequences can encourage people to make more responsible decisions.

Construction activities release a lot of dust particles into the water and deteriorate its quality. If the projects do not comply with prescribed regulations, water can get contaminated with toxic chemicals that affect not only its composition but also the life of aquatic plants and animals.

On a deeper level, it can disrupt the food chain and cause issues like oxygen depletion and metal deposition in living creatures.

Construction harms marine ecosystems, playing an active role in accelerating climate change. A rise in ocean temperature ultimately leads to global warming.

 5. Common Challenges

Construction is a challenging activity, and marine construction is no exception.

Builders should take extra care to ensure the structures are damage-resistant despite their continuous contact with water. It can seem tricky without adequate experience in the domain.

Failing to choose the right mixture of materials can compromise the structural integrity of the entire project.

Adherence to sustainable practices is another major challenge and may require some tradeoffs in the initial stages.

6. Risks and Hazards

Employees in marine construction sites are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals. It is detrimental to their health, affecting their respiratory system.

The work environment also poses several hazards, putting their lives at risk. Being around heavy machinery like cranes and enormous tanks is dangerous, and it is no surprise that the place is accident-prone.

Security threats are not a rare occurrence. They create problems for both employees and equipment. In the worst scenario, employers may have to bear severe losses due to such incidents.

7. Specialized Services

Marine construction projects are not a one-person job. The humongous tasks require several qualified personnel.

Often, companies offer full-fledged project delivery without letting you worry about any step.

However, depending on your requirements, you may also contact businesses specializing in a particular service. For example, some vendors specialize in manufacturing equipment like Marine Cranes, Cargo Carriers, and Forklifts.

Since the field is highly technical, choose a licensed company with several years of experience in marine construction.

8. Sustainable Approaches

Today, scientists are conducting rigorous research to identify practices that can make marine construction more sustainable. Companies are also making efforts to implement these novel approaches.

It starts with choosing the appropriate materials by analyzing their biodegradability and assessing their environmental impact.

The next step is to adopt green production methods that reduce carbon emissions.

These measures go a long way in promoting the overall well-being of the planet.

9. Careers in the Industry

Employment opportunities in this sector are versatile. You can choose onsite or offsite options depending on the type of lifestyle that works best for you.

Typical onsite roles include equipment operator, electrician, crew coordinator, and project manager.

If you’re interested in offsite jobs, you may find work related to project design and administrative responsibilities.

5 Benefits of Construction Project Management Software in 2023(Opens in a new browser tab)

Conclusion

Whether you are a researcher or thinking about making a career in marine construction, it is essential to educate yourself about the good and the bad.

If you are looking to find a construction service for one of your projects, consider several opinions to ensure you hire reputed professionals who follow ethical practices.