Supporting a new global-scale petrochemical processing plant on the banks of the Ohio River
Market
Civil & Marine
Energy & Renewables
Heavy Industrial
Key Services
Construction
Self-Perform
Strategic Partnerships
Delivery Method
General Contracting (GC)Self Perform %
90The challenge
Constructing a riverfront docking and bulkhead facility on the Ohio River in preparation for Shell’s new ethane cracker and polyethylene complex required excavation of more than 2 million cubic yards of earth on a 540-acre site. At peak excavation, our crews removed roughly 45,000 cubic yards per week. The project required dealing with fluctuating water levels and significant weather challenges, as well as coordinating the delivery of prefabricated materials and equipment that were too large for truck delivery. Additionally, ensuring environmental protection and maintaining water quality during construction were essential due to the project’s location on the Ohio River.
Alberici built a massive riverfront docking and bulkhead facility on the Ohio River that enabled receiving and sub-assembly during construction of the main petrochemical complex. Alberici’s scope of work included construction of a 600-foot-long load-on/load-off dock, 210-foot-long roll-on/roll-off dock, foundations for two wastewater treatment clarifiers, 24 mooring dolphins, and demolition of existing marine facilities.
Key Facts
810,000 SF river dock
24 mooring dolphins
150,000 cubic yard dredging
Shell Corporation Contractor of the Quarter
Challenge met
Alberici deployed a carefully coordinated marine fleet, including barge-mounted cranes and push boats to handle the large materials. We self-performed a significant portion of the work from land to accelerate the schedule and control costs. Alberici addressed challenges through meticulous planning and extensive experience in constructing similar facilities on major inland waterways.
To protect the environment, we implemented measures such as using a floating turbidity boom to maintain water quality and creating a shallow-water fish habitat with riprap. We worked closely with Shell, design teams, and permitting authorities to ensure environmental preservation.
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