The new floating fuel dock, ship store and adjoining docks at Marathon Marina had only been open for two months when Irma hit. To the amazement of the marina’s owner, the new docks survived undamaged.
Marathon, FL, USA – 30 January 2018 – The new Marathon Marina fuel dock had just reopened to the public when Hurricane Irma rampaged through the Florida Keys. Ranked as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, Irma left a trail of destruction across the region.
A testament to the rugged durability of Bellingham products, the floating docks at Marathon Marina survived Hurricane Irma completely unscathed.
“We saw what Irma had done to the islands before ours and were mentally preparing ourselves. You have to plan for the worst,” shared Robert (Bob) Leef, owner and operator of Marathon Marina.
“We had poured everything we had into our new docks – time, energy and financial resources. The project consumed us for over a year and a half. We were just beginning to feel the liberation of being on the other side of the project when Irma hit.”
“The possibility that all our toil could all be swept away in a single day, was more than we could bear,” Bob stated.
General Manager, Susan Prichard, and key marina staff returned to the marina on September 13th, four days after Irma had passed over Marathon Key. “I can’t describe the feeling of relief we felt when we saw the new building and docks were still standing. Unmarked among horrific destruction” Susan recalled.
When Hurricane Irma destroyed the docks at a favorite tailgate marina, three organizations came together to save the day and the party.
College football fanatics were able to continue an in-water tailgating tradition at the Florida vs Georgia game thanks to the temporary floating docks on loan from the NMMA, built by Bellingham Marine.
Jacksonville, FL, USA – 31 October 2017 – On Saturday more than 150,000 college football fanatics converged on Jacksonville for the annual Florida vs. Georgia game lovingly known as The World’s Largest Cocktail Party. Eager fans traditionally start docking their boats at the City’s nearby Metropolitan Park Marina on Friday, spending the weekend celebrating with in-water tailgating. This year Irma had other plans.
The Metro Park fixed docks were completely wiped out by Hurricane Irma’s storm surge. According to the National Weather Service, storm waters reached up to 6 ft. above normal high tides, an event never seen before, as Irma passed Jacksonville. Many normally dry places were left underwater.
Norton will work to increase emphasis and enforcement of electrical safety in marinas.
Cliff Norton, of the Bellingham Marine Utilities Division, has been appointed to the NFPA’s Code Panel to provide input on the upcoming 2020 NEC.
Jacksonville, FL, USA – 11 October 2017 – Cliff Norton, General Manager of Bellingham Marine’s Utilities Division, has been appointed to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Code Panel #7. The panel will be working on the upcoming 2020 version of the National Electric Code (NEC). Norton represents the marine industry and helps to provide input for new code language concerning floating buildings, marinas and boatyards.
The purpose of the NEC is to safeguard persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. Norton previously served as a panel member on an NFPA project that developed measures for preventing Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) around marinas. Norton is a respected voice in the marine industry. He publishes articles and conducts training sessions on the topic of proper marina electrical design and maintenance.
Local production drives down costs and gives boost to local economy. Bellingham’s decision to move production to Nadi is a win-win for the island nation and local developers.
Nadi, Fiji – 18 September 2017 – The island nation of Fiji is thriving in its seventh straight year of economic growth. From textiles to sugar, one of Fiji’s fastest growing sectors is manufacturing. Now expanding into pontoon manufacturing in Fiji with the announcement of the partnership between Bellingham Marine and Marine Structures and Consultancy (MSC) Limited.
Two of the country’s best-known marine service operators, Hall Dredging and Bob Oldham recently took control of MSC. Both have worked on Bellingham projects over the years and maintain an excellent working relationship with Bellingham Marine New Zealand (BMNZ). Continue Reading…
A series of upgrades including a unique assisted kayak launch and a low freeboard dock for paddle craft open up Coronado Bay to a diverse population of watersport enthusiasts.
Coronado, California, USA – 25 August 2017 – Glorietta Bay Marina in Coronado, California is a public boating facility owned by the City. Bellingham Marine rebuilt half of the marina in 2007. Replacement of C-dock and improvements to the marina’s boat launch were left for a later date.
In 2016, the remaining work at Glorietta went out to bid. Bellingham Marine came in low and was awarded the contract for all land and waterside improvements.
“It was important to the City that they make the most of the renovation opportunity,” shared Kevin Ketchum, Principal and General Manager of California Yacht Marina, operator of Glorietta Bay. “The items most critical to them were better universal access, environmental stewardship and the long-term value of the property.” Continue Reading…