Waterproofing the Woods Hole Ferry Terminal

The project, designed by Boston-based BIA Studio, replaces an aging facility that proved incompatible with the modern pile-driving infrastructure required for current ferry operations. The Steamship Authority, which manages the vital link between the mainland and Martha’s Vineyard, selected the final single-story stone-and-glass design after evaluating over 20 distinct concepts.

To ensure the longevity of the site’s below-grade elements, contractors utilized 2,000 cubic yards of concrete treated with PENETRON ADMIX SB. Cape Cod Ready-Mix handled the supply, incorporating the soluble, pre-measured admixture directly at the batch plant. The chemicals react within the concrete matrix to form insoluble crystals, effectively sealing pores and micro-cracks against moisture ingress. Richard Farmer, Eastern Region Sales Manager at Penetron USA, noted that this chemical barrier serves as a critical defense against the aggressive marine environment, protecting the terminal’s mat slabs and retaining walls from the corrosive effects of seawater.