Underwater Infrastructure Repairs at Port Facility in South America
SURINAME, SOUTH AMERICA – Glenn Industrial Group, LLC has successfully completed a complex underwater structural rehabilitation project at a key port facility in Suriname, supporting the region’s growing industrial and energy-sector demands. The work was conducted in direct response to increasing infrastructure stress tied to expanded oil and gas logistics in the area.
The scope of the project involved detailed inspection, corrosion remediation, and reinforcement of submerged structural elements, including monotube and cylindrical piles as well as sheet piling at active docks. Initial inspections revealed advanced internal corrosion behind failed protective coatings — damage accelerated by freshwater exposure, microbial activity, and coating deterioration.
Integrated Repair and Protection Plan
Glenn’s team deployed a comprehensive underwater repair strategy designed to restore long-term performance and structural integrity:
Surface Preparation and Cleaning
Structural Reinforcement of Piles and Docking Elements
Installation of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Forms
Underwater Grout Injection and Encapsulation
Corrosion Control with Denso Wrap Systems
To reestablish cathodic protection, over 360 magnesium anodes were installed along the submerged steel elements. These anodes were wet-welded in-place by Glenn’s certified dive team using qualified underwater welding procedures. All connections were sealed with marine-grade epoxy, significantly enhancing durability.
Debris Removal and Access Restoration
To enable full access to damaged structures, GLENN Industrial Group conducted targeted debris removal along the riverbed, clearing obstructed areas and reestablishing safe dive zones. This allowed critical reinforcement to proceed at structurally compromised zones — including Dolphin F, which had sustained severe steel loss.
Safe Completion Under Extreme Conditions
Despite the project’s inherent complexity — including strong river currents and tidal fluctuations of up to six feet occurring twice daily — all work was completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Glenn’s team overcame limited visibility, structural constraints, and access challenges through the use of specialized underwater tooling, advanced PPE, and tightly coordinated crew sequencing.
Supporting Industrial Expansion in Suriname
The successful completion of this project ensures the continued safe operation of a vital port facility in Suriname as it scales to support new industrial throughput. Glenn Industrial Group is proud to contribute to the infrastructure resilience of South America’s energy logistics network through safe, engineered, and sustainable underwater solutions.
