urban waterfronts and marinas services
cruise ship facilities
The cruise ship market is a major component of the tourism industry, with millions of passengers sailing each year. The industry’s rapid growth has seen an increase in ship construction and the subsequent requirement for new and improved passenger and berthing facilities. Moffatt & Nichol provides a variety of engineering and program management services to support cruise ship terminal architects and planners. These services range from the planning and design of facilities for passenger access to the preparation of construction documents for new facilities and repairs to existing facilities, including dredging and navigation improvements.
marina market studies
Key to the success of any project—new or existing—is the understanding of regional market data and competitive analysis. Moffatt & Nichol brings economic and market study capabilities to help plan the optimal facility for any given marina market. These studies address the economic and market outlook of the boating and marina industry with specific emphasis on the regional market to assess the competitive position of the target facility. Our analyses include demand trends and forecasts, population growth and price fluctuations, potential high and low revenue growth scenarios, and economic considerations in phasing of new marinas and upgrading existing facilities.
ferry terminals
Ferries serve as an important transit link along many urban waterways. Whether large auto or passenger ferry service or small water taxi service, Moffatt & Nichol provides specialized expertise in planning, operational analysis, traffic management, design, environmental studies, permitting and construction of ferry terminals (including piers and docks, mooring systems, site work and terminal buildings). The firm maintains a group of planners and engineers specifically dedicated to ferry terminal planning and design, as well as coastal and hydraulic engineers experienced in the analysis and design of navigation channels, including vessel maneuvering and channel capacity studies.
historic vessel moorings
An integral part of modern waterfront planning involves creating space for the preservation of historic vessels. Waterfront communities seek to preserve and perpetuate their maritime history through facilities that allow the public to experience tradition and history first hand. The restoration and maintenance of historic vessels as dockside interpretive exhibits, or as “at sea” programming vessels, can provide a public classroom for students and visitors. Moffatt & Nichol brings a unique understanding and approach to designing mooring and support facilities for such historic vessels.
marinas
Moffatt & Nichol’s long history in the ever-evolving waterfront industry includes marina planning and design for a portfolio of projects in diverse locations around the world. Moffatt & Nichol responds to the challenges presented by each location, such as tropical storms, extreme water level fluctuations, ice forces and earthquakes. As boat designs change and berth demands increase, Moffatt & Nichol is at the forefront in meeting the needs of marina users, from small craft to megayachts, providing efficient and exciting marina destinations.
recreational piers
Recreational piers serve as a great setting for fishing, birding and people watching, as well as a spectacular vantage point to catch a sunrise or sunset. Moffatt & Nichol inspects, designs, and prepares construction documents for numerous such structures worldwide—from small municipal piers at riverfront destinations, to large landmark ocean piers on both coasts of the U.S. The firm leverages our experience with wind, wave and current analysis to design piers that are not only attractive community and historical amenities, but can also withstand extreme winds, waves and earthquakes.
resorts
Waterfront facilities enhance resort destinations throughout the world and play a significant role in attracting clientele and stimulating a successful development. Moffatt & Nichol is a recognized leader in the planning and design of waterfront amenities, producing economically viable and environmentally sensitive designs that result in a fun experience for the user. The firm’s waterfront planning and design services are typically conducted in close alliance with the developer and resort design firm to fully integrate the landside and waterside features of the development. Moffatt & Nichol has an extensive understanding and qualifications in site assessments and the design of boating facilities, beaches, piers, and other waterfront recreational facilities. The company’s expertise extends to site-specific sustainable designs and innovative solutions to unique challenges presented by projects in remote locations.
Urban Waterfronts
Today, many urban waterfronts are assuming new roles as catalysts for economic development within their communities. For more than 65 years, Moffatt & Nichol has helped re-energize premier international waterfront cities by creating mixed-use spaces with residences, hotels, retail shops, cafes and restaurants. Projects include improved waterfront access; municipal and private marinas; riverwalks, seawalls and piers; wetland creation and restoration; and public spaces, amphitheaters and maritime museums. The firm provides comprehensive services that include planning; civil, coastal, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; as well as design and construction document preparation. These services are supplemented by specialties such as economic, dredging, seismic and environmental studies; and numerical and physical modeling of waterways.
waterfront master planning
Moffatt & Nichol regularly serves as a marine engineering representative on interdisciplinary design teams led by internationally acclaimed architects, landscape architects and urban planning firms providing waterfront master planning services. These plans seek to reconnect cities to their riverfront and reinvigorate development opportunities and recreational space. Moffatt & Nichol provides assistance with respect to evaluation of existing facilities, design of waterfront structures, shore protection, regulatory issues, commercial navigation interests, and marine market studies, as well as considerations for recreational boating, historic vessel mooring, water taxi and ferry opportunities.
