Supporting Seawall Construction and Protection After Hurricane Sandy
At The Hose Company, we manufacture the Hydrauli-Flex hoses that are essential components of the equipment that specialize in building and protecting coastal cities from the destructive forces of nature. Our hoses are designed to meet the rigorous demands of industries like pile driving and deep foundation work, playing a crucial role in building seawalls that defend against rising sea levels and powerful storms.
When Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012, it left a trail of devastation across the Northeast, with New Jersey alone facing damages estimated at $70 million. Despite the widespread destruction, the resilient seawalls that protected cities like Jersey City were key in diverting the ocean’s massive swells, preventing even more catastrophic damage. This storm served as a harsh reminder of the need for strong, reliable infrastructure, especially as global warming leads to more frequent and intense “super storms.”
Gate 128: Strengthening Jersey City’s Coastal Defense
One company that helped reinforce Jersey City’s coastal defenses was Walsh Contracting Group. They worked on the Gate 128 project, an ongoing initiative to replace aging seawalls and ensure the city is better protected from future storms. This project was a direct response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy and the increasing need for robust coastal defense infrastructure in the face of climate change.
The project involved using the ICE® 44B Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor, a powerful machine designed to remove and install massive steel pilings that form the foundation of seawalls. These pilings are critical to creating a strong barrier between the ocean and the city. To power the machinery that drives these piles into the earth, reliable hydraulic systems are essential. That’s where our Hydrauli-Flex hoses came into play.
Our hoses are built to withstand the immense pressure and high demands of heavy-duty equipment like the ICE® 44B. Engineered for durability and flexibility, Hydrauli-Flex hoses ensured that the pile driving equipment operated at peak performance. From enduring the vibrations of pile driving to maintaining consistent pressure for smooth operation, our hoses were up to the task.
Engineering a Stronger Future
The work done on the Gate 128 project was more than just replacing old seawalls. Walsh Contracting Group and ICE® employed a combination of advanced pile types—including sheeting piles, H-beam piles, and pipe piles—to build a more resilient structure capable of withstanding larger, more powerful storms. The new seawall was designed to endure the increasingly severe weather brought on by climate change and to protect Jersey City for at least the next 30 years.
The efforts of Walsh showcased the importance of innovation and the use of high-quality materials in creating infrastructure that can stand the test of time. With the right tools and technology, communities can build stronger, safer defenses to keep them secure.
The Future of Seawall Construction
As climate change continues to affect sea levels and storm frequency, the work done in Jersey City serves as a model for other coastal cities. Modern, durable seawalls are essential not only for protecting property but also for saving lives. The ongoing project exemplifies how advanced technology, teamwork, and high-quality materials come together to address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
At The Hose Company, we are proud to manufacture the Hydrauli-Flex hoses that powered the equipment used in this vital infrastructure work. By manufacturing high-performance hoses, we played a small but important role in helping safeguard cities from the growing threats of natural disasters. With our hoses ensuring the reliability of the pile driving equipment, the seawalls built in Jersey City will continue to protect the city for years to come.
As the world faces more frequent and severe storms, we remain committed to providing the solutions that power the machines working to keep our cities safe and foundations secure.
