Two transmission towers on the Rappahannock River are undergoing foundation repairs by Crofton’s divers. Each tower, which have twenty-four piles total, will undergo restoration of foundation concrete caps and piles. This restoration will increase the foundations structural capacity. Normally this would be executed by dewatering, using large stackable cofferdams. Due to the soft bottom, which will not support such weight, the restoration is being performed underwater. This means that all the underwater work is being done in zero visibility, high currents, and concrete is being restored using a tremie pour method. Some coordination with the Coast Guard was required in the beginning, as all work is being performed in open water. Otherwise, crews communicate regularly with individual vessels. There are three dive teams and a full construction crew on site as well as numerous Crofton cranes, barges, and tugs. We thank all the crew members committed to the success of this project and look forward to its continued progress! 

Since the beginning of the year, Crofton has begun the partial decommissioning of Great Falls Hydroelectric Station in Great Falls, South Carolina, commercially operating since 1907. A full decommissioning of nearby Rocky Creek Hydroelectric Station, in operation since 1909, is anticipated to begin by the end of May. Each decommissioning will consist of dredging, installing stop logs with divers, removal of trash racks, dewatering, and confined space work for concrete work. Crofton Industries will be self-performing all key project elements. David Mrowiec, P.E. (Project Manager) shared that at the completion of both decommissionings, over 10,000 cubic yards of concrete will have been poured. These projects have required temporary relocation for many of our crew members. We want to acknowledge them for their commitment and flexibility!

 

Fifty-Six maritime business leaders signed the charter establishing the Virginia Maritime Association (then known as the Norfolk Maritime Exchange) on February 13, 1920. 100 years later, to the day, more than 90 leaders sign a Centennial Charter honoring the history and future commitment to growing the maritime industry. As Assistant Treasurer, Camille Crofton Cherry signed the Centennial Charter with other executive committee members (from left to right) Judy Barrett (Treasurer), Rolf Williams (Vice President), Lang Williams (Vice President), Michael Coleman (President), and David White (Secretary and Executive Vice President).