Dump Scow Barge Maintenance

Specialty Underwater Services (SUS) is serving as the prime contractor for a $5 million bridge rehabilitation project in Wicomico County, Maryland, for the Maryland Department of Transportation. The project involves the rehabilitation of two bridge structures spanning the Wicomico River and represents one of the largest contracts in the company’s history. Construction began in late spring 2025 and is scheduled for completion in mid-2026.

The scope of work includes marine and underwater construction activities to extend the service life and structural integrity of both bridges. SUS is installing new 90-foot concrete-filled steel pipe pile dolphins, new vertical timber fender boards, and new wire bands around existing timber dolphins. The project also includes extensive rehabilitation of underwater concrete abutments and piers, as well as the stabilization of undermined abutment sections. Additionally, SUS is performing underwater epoxy crack-injection repairs to bridge abutments and piers.

As part of the rehabilitation effort, the original timber pile dolphins were removed and replaced with five new seven-pile dolphin clusters. Each cluster consists of 24-inch-diameter, ½-inch-wall, 90-foot-long steel pipe piles reinforced with epoxy-coated rebar and filled with 5,000 PSI concrete. To date, 35 pipe piles have been successfully driven. SUS’s dive teams are continuing with underwater spall repairs and epoxy injection work.

The Wicomico River Bridge Rehabilitation showcases SUS’s ability to self-perform complex underwater construction, marine piling, and structural rehabilitation work while managing large-scale projects as a general contractor for critical transportation infrastructure.

The SUS team was called in to assist with the maintenance of a dump scow barge. Two commercial diving crews worked in 24-hour rotations to complete the project on schedule and with minimal downtime. The scope of work included welding sacrificial anode protection systems to the barge’s hull to protect the vessel from corrosion and ensure its long-term structural integrity.

Specialty Underwater Services (SUS) performed substructure repairs beneath Pier Two at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Baltimore Yard. The scope of work included critical rehabilitation of the pier’s substructure to ensure long-term stability and performance. In addition, our Team replaced the pier curb and completed concrete repairs to the existing crane rail, enhancing both structural integrity and operational functionality along the waterfront.

SUS successfully completed underwater concrete repairs and dive support for the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Our team managed 1,438 linear feet of crack repair, enhancing the bridge’s structural stability, and conducted 8.5 cubic feet of spall repair to restore deteriorated concrete areas to their original state. The project also included the meticulous cleaning of 25,920 square feet of granite, significantly improving the bridge’s visual appeal. Furthermore, SUS provided invaluable welding and burning support to the general contractor, demonstrating our ability to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions in complex underwater settings.

SUS inspected the existing marine structure catwalk, removed it and installed a new structural catwalk.

SUS installed a new fire line for Anne Arundel County. Our team mobilized to excavate and remove an existing 6-inch fire line, replacing it with a durable 6-inch HDPE fire line tailored for long-term use. In addition to the pipeline work, SUS installed a roadside adaptor, enabling the Anne Arundel County Fire Department to quickly connect to the water supply in emergency situations.

SUS mobilized and installed a concrete support pad to hold a prefabricated storage shed. SUS also excavated and installed 2” and 12” HDPE pipes to be used as the air delivery system.

SUS was contracted for the condition survey and pier construction repairs consisting of heavy timber cap beam and crossbracing replacement. Working hand-in-hand with a unique mix of marine construction and diving personnel, SUS completed this project within a few days and allowed the terminal to stay active during the work. The team also completed some localized debris removal near the mooring area for safety.

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Specialty Underwater Services was contracted to provide Pier Rehabilitation. The work consisted of the removal of the existing Timber Structures, Dolphins and Piles along with the  demolition  and  removal  of  the  existing boathouse, light poles and pier handrails. Once  the  demolition  work  was  completed  concrete  repairs  were made  to  the  under-deck of pier, the pier deck itself and the  concrete  curbs.    New  Concrete  curb  was  installed  along  with  structural  steel  repairs. A  new  “D” fender  was  installed  around  the  pier  and  the  sheet  pile  wall  was  extended  for  the  bulkhead and a new concrete cap was poured.