Project Location:Puerto Libertad, Gulf of California
Client: Comisión Federal de Electricidad, C.F.E.; Puerto Libertad, State of Sonora, México
Dates: 1982-1983

The purpose of this offshore marine facility was to provide mooring and oil (“combust—leo”) unloading capabilities for tankers up to 50,000 DWT, to supply fuel to a nearby new power plant. The project consisted of the design of the mooring structure as well as an access bridge. The one-kilometer long bridge was necessary for the regular access of repair and maintenance vehicles, as well as to support the oil and power lines. The analysis included oceanographic studies, determination of storm waves, currents, winds and tides. For the analysis of the structures, problems of hydrodynamic soil—structure interaction, such as vortex and wave action on the piles-soils complex, were solved. Besides, the forces exerted by the oscillating ships due to wind, waves and currents on the main mooring and breasting dolphins, were calculated. A complete set of construction drawings, specifications and a final report were delivered to the client.