British Columbia’s miles of rugged coastline allow for countless possibilities for commerce and industry as well as play and enjoyment. One of the biggest challenges of the province’s unique landscape is accessing the waterfront and utilizing marine infrastructure while protecting environmentally sensitive ecosystems.

The redevelopment of the Hood Canal Bridge in Washington State resulted in a rare opportunity to obtain a series of well-preserved floating concrete pontoons.

0742909 B.C. Ltd, a British Columbia company, dba Seagate Pontoons, has purchased former pontoon sections of the east side of the floating bridge. On behalf of Seagate Pontoons, Marker Developments of Greater Victoria is managing the project of towing the pontoon sections to Vancouver Island, refurbishing them and selling them for reuse.

The refurbished floating concrete pontoons will provide a cost-effective way of bringing people to the water – whether in industry or for the pure enjoyment of experiencing all that BC’s coast has to offer. They can enhance commerce, tourism and recreation through uses such as:

• creating breakwaters, protected harbours and piers around marinas and tourist areas
  
• providing berths for pocket cruise ships and other vessels
  
• creating structures to be used for various activities including walking, running, fishing, summer markets, and cultural activities
  
• creating a floating surface to support marine-based industries

The reuse of the pontoons provides a rare opportunity to create marine infrastructure that would otherwise be too expensive to develop using all new materials.

Fast Facts About the Hood Canal Floating Concrete Pontoons:

• Each of the pontoons are structurally sound and in excellent condition
• The pontoons have been surveyed by a certified marine consultant to ensure they are not inhabited by an invasive species
  
• The pontoons will be towed to Vancouver Island in four separate sections configured in a variety of specifications
  
• The pontoons can be resurfaced to a high level of finish such as stamped concrete and/or ballasted to achieve the desired freeboard and draft
  
• The pontoons can be structurally enhanced to carry additional deck loads and secured by anchors and/or piles