The Problem with Conventional Dolphin Design Tri-tie mooring dolphins, a plumb pile with two batter piles, are found at industrial river terminals across the United States. They are simple, proven structures. But the way most of them are designed reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how mooring structures actually work. The conventional approach treats a mooring dolphin like a building or a bridge structures where deflection must be tightly controlled to protect finishe

Bradley A. Syler, PE, SE Vice President June 16, 2026 Marine port and terminal owners have spent decades hiring engineering firms to inspect an asset, write a report, and leave. They then hire a different engineering firm to design the repairs. They then bid and award the repair work to a separate construction company. Each engagement starts from scratch. Knowledge walks out the door with every completed contract. There is a better model - a long-term partnership where a sing