A former seafood packaging plant is now a 43,000-sq-ft training facility developed to support the growing demand for technicians in the assembly and deployment of offshore wind power turbines. High-tech simulators and virtual reality technology complement physical facilities typical of turbine manufacturing environments near New Bedford for an experience that mirrors actual working conditions, says the project team.

Facility features include a survival training tank, repair shops, classrooms, office spaces, medical examination rooms, cafeteria and collaboration space.

Implementing the building’s transformation first required extensive ground improvements to accommodate unstable soils and the renovated structure’s increased loading requirements, which required installation of more than 360 helical piles to depths of more than 20 ft, all within the building footprint, according to the submission.

Photo courtesy D.F. Pray General Contractors

Because of the proximity to the ocean and changing tides, creative scheduling and dewatering approaches were also needed for the construction of drainage and sewer system tie-ins as well as for a new elevator pit.

Limited examples of this type of facility in the New England region presented regulatory challenges. Arranging permits and inspections from various state and local agencies required extensive coordination, says the team. Various internal inspections by the board of health were necessary, as were approvals of training elements such as the survival pool and submersible craft.

The project’s construction requirements likewise presented non-routine safety issues. A third-party health and safety inspector performed weekly onsite inspections to assist in identifying and resolving potential project risks through collaboration with trade partners prior to and during work activities.

The project team also developed and coordinated a plan for multiple crane picks needed during installation of the survival pool.

According to team members, the project effort resulted in 50,000 hours worked without an incident, with all work completed on time and on budget.