Introducing the P-381 Dry Dock Project

The Portsmouth Navy Shipyard, located in Kittery, Maine is the Navy’s oldest continuing operating shipyard, having been founded in 1800. It is responsible for the overhaul, repair, and modernization of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered attack Los Angeles and Virgina- class submarines. It was built on islands once used for drying fish. Today, more than 200 years old, the Portsmouth-Kittery Naval Shipyard is still pumping iron. Considered by many to be the nation’s very first federal shipyard, PNSY has weathered a turbulent transition from sail, to steam, to atomic fuel. Now dedicated to the overhaul and repair of modern submarines, “The Yard” has two centuries of stories to tell.

As part of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command’s (NAVFAC) Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) to modernize its four aging naval shipyards, the PNSY P-381 Dry Dock Project includes construction of: (2) two new dry docks, a pump station, utility building, electrical facilities, and associated infrastructure; along with drilled shafts, secant pile walls, large precast sections, and cast-in-place concrete. The project began in late 2021 with an anticipated completion date in 2028.

Our “A” game with Quality, Delivery and Production is the Solution for 381 Constructors and the perfect challenge for the Redimix Companies Team!

It all began approximately 8 years ago when Redimix Companies and Cianbro Corporation worked together on the Sarah Mildred Long Lift Bridge spanning across the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth New Hampshire and Kittery Maine. That successful project established the proper “foundation” and connection needed between Redimix Companies, 381 Constructors (a joint venture between Cianbro Corporation, TIC- a Kiewit Company, and The Middlesex Corporation), and NAVFAC. In early 2020 thru 2021, we spent many hours working with 381 Constructors to develop a relationship and understanding of the project expectations to be to the solution to their needs on this extremely challenging project.

NAVFAC and 381 Constructors had some specific asks regarding the project. Excellent Quality control was top of mind as consistency of product will have to be maintained throughout the six-year project. The mix designs were built to stand the test of time with an expected 100 -year service life. Not far behind Quality was Schedule Performance. The Project is mission critical to NAVFAC, receiving the highest national defense urgency. Therefore, plant production capacity and timely, reliable Delivery are critically important to the Project’s and Team’s success.

The long road ahead with mix design development was underway in the fall of 2021. We sent bulk aggregates, cement, and admixtures to 381 Constructors concrete mix design consultant, the Tourney Consulting Group (TCG) in Michigan to begin the testing.

The designs would require up to 8K PSI drilled shaft, temperature-controlled mass concrete, and some of the highest cement replacement levels we have ever worked with. The base mix designs were field tested at our plant for the first time in January of 2022. In conjunction with TCG, 381 Constructors, and our Team, we adjusted the mixes to meet the needs for the Project.

Even though the Project demands were challenging we had several advantages over the competition. The proximity of our two plants in, Dover, NH, and Berwick, ME. The materials needed would be supplied internally by Pike Industries ensuring consistency through the Project. The access to Capital to increase efficiencies in our fleet and plants. And the reputation and backing of CRH to name a few.

There were a few other key factors that led 381 Constructors to choose Redimix Companies. One word: SAFETY, during multiple visits to our facilities, meeting our team, reviewing our guidelines and policies, 381 Constructors could clearly see that the safety of our People, Customers and Community is our top Priority. In addition, our employees are thoroughly screened prior to hiring, which aligns with the NAVY’s security standards to ensure access into the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the CIA (controlled industrial area) within the base which the project is contained. Our outstanding Equipment maintenance program and lastly, our teams proven expertise and many years of experience working in the Ready- Mix industry.

Redimix Companies is providing approximately 160,000 cubic yards of concrete over a 6-year period. This is the second largest ready-mix concrete job in the history of the Northern New England region, second to the Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant.

In preparation for the start of the project Redimix Companies has undergone some important changes. We hired two dedicated positions to support the project: a Quality Control technician and a Project Manager. We have increased our mixer operators to support the increased demand. And we have completed close to $700,000 in Cap Ex projects at both of our facilities increasing our capacity by 30% and providing new revenue streams.

We have a large veteran population at Redimix Companies. And one of the significant, unexpected benefits is the pride of our employees. They are excited that our company is tackling this immense project, helping build our countries military, and being a part of history.

Our team is excited for the future of this project and continuously focused on learning and improving our skillsets in the effort to be the Leading Ready-Mix company in New England.

Our “A” game is matter of finding the right challenge, and here at Redimix Companies we did just that!