Project Name
Client
Location
Green Partners Infrastructure & Ministry of Transportation Ontario
St. Lawrence River Kingston, Ontario
Year
2023
Project Summary
As an ongoing project, our team is incredibly excited to be involved in the de-icing portion of the Wolfe Island Ferry Dock Upgrade project, scheduled to be completed in 2024. The Wolfe Island ferry operates year-round to connect Kingston, ON (mainland) to Wolfe Island. Our team will be installing 30 Can-Air Pro XL De-icer diffusers, and custom lengths of de-icing bubbler airline in 2023 to maintain an ice-free path for the ferry to travel, as well as protect the new infrastructure from ice build-up.
The ferry dock upgrade is designed to accommodate for its new and larger ferry. The project began in 2020 and is scheduled to be completed in 2024.
Wolfe Island Ferry Dock De-icing Project
Project Objective
Maintain an ice-free area around the newly constructed ferry dock terminal to prevent damage caused by ice-build up and allow the ferry to operate throughout the winter months.
Methods
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Install 30 Can-Air De-icer Pro XL diffusers
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Install custom lengths of de-icing bubbler airline around the dock perimeter
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Secure reinforced Aquatube sinking airline to underwater welded frames
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Install equipment using AEC's specialized installation barge that is fully equipped with a crane to lower diffusers, GPS locate equipment, analyze depths, and more.
Challenges
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Large sheets of ice traveling downstream to interfere with ferry path and infrastructure
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Strong currents to move de-icers
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Zebra mussel accumulation on equipment during summer system shut down
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Project approval process through government agencies
Timeline
Project start: 2020
Design approval stage: 2020-2022
De-icer equipment installation date: July 2023
Project completion: 2024
Planned Solutions
To address the anticipated challenges out team worked closely with our engineers to review historical river data. With this information, de-icer placement was determined to best deflect ice sheets. The proposed equipment is also designed to withstand significant currents, due to diffuser weights, and added precautionary attachment points.
Regular cleaning of equipment will resolve zebra mussel build up.
Results
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Aquatic Engineering Canada is excited to complete the installation of our heavy duty de-icers within the St. Lawrence river and closely monitor the results.