PCMS Installs a New Tidal Platform & Turbine for UNH
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) has several initiatives and facilities dedicated to research and monitoring within the Piscataqua River watershed. PCMS was asked to assist with the Living Bridge Project, located at the Memorial Bridge spanning the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine.
The project combines structural health monitoring and environmental research with the exploration of renewable tidal energy. Sensors installed on and around the bridge collect valuable data about the structure and the Piscataqua River environment, while a tidal turbine beneath the bridge is designed to harness the river’s powerful currents and test the viability of a renewable energy source.
When UNH asked Pepperrell Cove Marine Services (PCMS) to extend the original tidal research platform installation, we knew the work would require equal parts precision and patience. Building in the intertidal zone isn’t like building on land. Every move is governed by the clockwork of the ocean.
Our team worked within challenging tide windows to “fly in” new frame and float assembly. The expanded platform provides the structure needed to support the next and final phase of the project: installation of the tidal turbine.
With the platform extension and supporting infrastructure in place, the project recently reached an important milestone: the tidal turbine was installed and pushed to the Memorial Bridge, completing PCMS’s work on the project.
Project Complete
From the original tidal research platform to its extension and the final turbine installation, the completed project provides UNH with infrastructure designed to support research, monitoring, and renewable-energy exploration in the Piscataqua River.
If your organization needs marine construction that respects the clock and the coastline, PCMS is ready. From tidal platforms and pilings to floats, gangways and scientific infrastructure, we bring disciplined planning and precision execution to every tide window.
