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COMPOSITE FRP WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE

Fiberglass Composites are the Top Material Choice for Marine Environments

At Creative Composites Group, we design and manufacture composite waterfront infrastructure products, such as camels, docks, sheet piles, pipe piles, fender systems and custom marine projects.

WHY CHOOSE COMPOSITES FOR WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS?

Traditional construction materials, such as concrete, steel and wood, come with unique challenges due to the harsh conditions experienced in marine environments. For example, traditional construction materials are constantly exposed to saltwater, UV sunlight, extreme weather conditions and even corrosive chemicals.

Due to this exposure, wood will decay, and steel will corrode. That’s why many industry professionals have turned to composites, which has excellent environmental durability and design flexibility. These qualities, among others, make it a more cost-efficient and long-lasting material choice for marine infrastructure.

COMPOSITES OFFER MANY ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER MATERIALS THAT MAKE IT A BETTER OPTION FOR WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS:
  • Strong and Lightweight — Our composite structures have a high strength-to-weight ratio. As a result, it is naturally buoyant, which is ideal for components and structures installed in waterfront environments
  • Durable — Since the fiberglass core is surrounded by a chemical and ultraviolet (UV) radiation-resistant polymer, it is protected against many of the environmental hazards found at the waterfront
  • Low Maintenance —The durability of our composites allows them to last up to 75 years with no maintenance, which can lead to significant savings over the course of the structure’s life
  • Cost-Efficient — The fiberglass reinforcement material in FRP offers high strength at a low cost, which makes FRP composites are structurally sound and a cost-effective material option

CCG'S COMPOSITE PRODUCTS FOR MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE

Due to its many advantages, composites are becoming the top contender to replace aging wood, concrete and metal for marine infrastructure. Our structural FRP products combine the maximum environmental durability with design flexibility that non-composite products simply can’t match.

CCG is the Largest
Manufacturer of Structural FRP
in the U.S.

FRP is a resilient, lightweight and corrosion-resistant alternative for construction projects. CCG is a leader in manufacturing FRP composite products. We can manufacture and fabricate innovative FRP projects to meet your specifications and requirements.

All Resources Case Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We typically need basic project parameters such as water depth, tidal range, soil conditions, vessel types, environmental loads and the intended function of the structure (bulkhead, fender system, camel, pier, etc.). Early sharing of drawings, geotechnical reports and performance requirements helps us quickly determine the right FRP solution.

  • FRP is corrosion‑proof, rot‑proof and immune to marine borers, giving it a service life of 75–100+ years with no coatings or maintenance. It offers high strength‑to‑weight ratios, excellent impact resistance and predictable engineered performance—making it a superior long‑term alternative to traditional materials.

  • Our FRP systems are engineered to meet or exceed applicable standards including AASHTO, FHWA, USACE, NAVFAC and relevant ASTM specifications. We also provide stamped engineering drawings in all U.S. states and many international jurisdictions.

  • Soil type influences pile embedment, diameter, fixity, lateral resistance and driving method. We review geotechnical reports to ensure proper design for axial, lateral and bending loads. FRP piles perform well in soft soils, dense sands and marine sediments.

  • FRP is chemically inert and unaffected by saltwater, freeze–thaw cycles, acidic or alkaline soils or contaminated sediments. Unlike steel or concrete, FRP does not corrode, spall or degrade, even in the harshest marine conditions.

  • FRP products can be installed using standard marine construction equipment:

      • Vibratory hammers
      • Impact hammers
      • Jetting
      • Pre‑drilling
      • Excavator‑mounted drivers

    We provide installation guidelines and driving recommendations for each product type.

  • StormStrong FRP piles, sheet piles, camels and fender systems are designed for 75–100+ years of service life with minimal maintenance. Their corrosion‑free construction dramatically reduces lifecycle cost compared to steel or timber.

  • Yes. Our FRP piles, sheet piles, walers, fenders and camels can be connected to or retrofitted onto existing structures. We provide connection details, hardware recommendations and hybrid system designs.

  • Absolutely. We specialize in custom solutions for:

      • Deepwater piers
      • High‑energy fender systems
      • Navy submarine and CVN camels
      • Hybrid bulkheads
      • Limited‑clearance installations
      • Complex vessel berthing requirements

    Our engineering team works directly with owners, designers and contractors.

  • Lead times vary by product type and project size, but most FRP piles, sheet piles, fender components and camels ship within 8–12 weeks. Large or highly customized systems may require additional time. Expedited production is available for certain projects.

  • Yes. FRP is inert and does not leach chemicals, making it ideal for environmentally sensitive marine habitats.

  • Yes. CCG offers on‑site or remote installation support, contractor training and quality assurance guidance.

  • Yes. FRP can be repaired using composite patch systems, sleeves or wraps without full replacement.

  • Yes. 3D models, CAD files and engineering resources are available for all product lines.

  • Everything from small workboats and barges to U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers.

  • FRP (Fiber‑Reinforced Polymer) offers several advantages over traditional waterfront materials such as steel, timber and concrete:

      • Corrosion‑Proof: FRP does not rust, corrode or spall in saltwater, brackish water or contaminated soils. This eliminates the need for coatings, cathodic protection, or corrosion‑related maintenance.
      • Marine Borer Immunity: Unlike timber, FRP is completely resistant to shipworms, gribbles and other marine borers.
      • Lightweight but Strong: FRP has a high strength‑to‑weight ratio, making it easier to transport, lift and install while still providing excellent structural performance.
      • Long Service Life: FRP waterfront products routinely achieve 75–100+ years of service life, far exceeding steel or timber in harsh marine environments.
      • Predictable Engineering Performance: FRP is an engineered material with consistent mechanical properties, unlike timber, which varies naturally, or steel, which degrades over time.
      • Low Lifecycle Cost: While initial material cost may be higher than timber or PVC, FRP’s zero‑maintenance durability results in significantly lower total cost of ownership.

    In short, FRP delivers the structural performance of steel without the corrosion, the durability of concrete without the weight and the ease of handling of timber without the biological decay.

  • StormStrong FRP waterfront products are engineered for long‑term outdoor exposure and include:

      • UV‑resistant resin systems
      • Protective surfacing veils
      • Optional UV‑stable pigments or coatings

    These features prevent:

      • Chalking
      • Embrittlement
      • Color fading
      • Surface degradation

    Unlike PVC or HDPE, which can become brittle under prolonged sunlight, FRP maintains its mechanical properties and structural integrity even after decades of UV exposure. Long‑term testing and field performance show 50+ years of UV durability with no loss of strength.

    This makes FRP ideal for piers, bulkheads, fender systems, camels and any structure exposed to full sun in marine environments.