Chase Marina

Challenge

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) engaged GZA to redevelop the former Chase Marina into a commercial fishing marina serving the upper portion of Narragansett Bay. The project required modernization of the existing waterfront infrastructure, expansion of the marina perimeter, and accommodations for both commercial fishing vessels and transient unloading operations, while developing a design capable of withstanding significant coastal storm conditions.

Solution

GZA performed a site-specific metocean analysis to establish environmental loading conditions and design the marina infrastructure for a 100-year storm event. GZA developed 100% Design Drawings and assisted RIDEM with permit packages for the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The design includes an approximately 115-foot-long steel sheet pile bulkhead, a new timber wharf extending from the existing granite block seawall, multiple gangways, timber floating docks, and up to 17 slips typically accommodating 25- to 35-foot-long vessels. Steel pipe guide piles were designed for storm loading, and the marina also includes a pump-out station. GZA coordinated with permitting agencies to expand the existing marina perimeter and incorporated improvements at the northwest portion of the site to accommodate transient unloading by vessels up to approximately 50 feet long. GZA is also completing bid documents to advance the project toward construction.

Benefit

The improvements will transform the former marina into a modern commercial fishing facility that provides improved access and infrastructure for the local fishing fleet while accommodating a range of vessel sizes and operations. By integrating coastal engineering, structural design, metocean analysis, and regulatory permitting, GZA developed a resilient marina design intended to withstand severe storm conditions while maximizing the functionality of the available waterfront.