Walsh-Soletanche JV Breaks Ground on $669M Delaware Container Terminal
According to Engineering News-Record, a joint venture between Walsh and Soletanche has begun early demolition work at the Edgemoor site near Wilmington, Del., on the $669 million first phase of the Delaware Container Terminal, a project designed to quadruple container capacity at the Port of Wilmington. Gov. Matt Meyer signed the stateโs Fiscal Year 2027 capital budget on June 29, approving an additional $110 million to close a funding gap driven by inflation, electrification scope additions, and tariff-related cost escalation. Phase 1 began June 1 and is scheduled to progress through 2028.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Heavy civil, marine foundation, and concrete subs in the Mid-Atlantic should watch this project closely, as large-scale terminal construction through 2028 will require significant trade capacity on site.
- The expanded electrification scope, including nine new electric rubber-tired gantry cranes, 110 electric terminal tractors, and 54 DC fast chargers, opens doors for electrical and mechanical specialty contractors beyond traditional marine work.
- Cost escalation tied to tariffs and inflation drove a revised financing plan, a reminder that subs bidding marine and port work should build in strong escalation clauses given current market conditions.
