Posted on August 31, 2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District has successfully completed a critical rock grinding operation near the Soo Locks, utilizing advanced marine technology to enhance navigational safety and efficiency in the St. Mary’s River.
The project, aimed at removing submerged bedrock to deepen the navigation channel, was executed with the aid of Teledyne BargeVision Pro and Trimble Marine Construction (TMC) Software, a state-of-the-art real time multibeam survey solution provided by Fabick Technology Services. This innovative technology enabled the Corps to visualize underwater terrain in real time, guiding grinding operations with unprecedented precision.
The system integrates real-time 3D visualization, GNSS Machine Guidance, and bathymetric overlays, allowing operators to monitor equipment positioning and progress with pinpoint accuracy. This capability significantly reduced the risk of over-grinding and minimized disruption to the surrounding ecosystem.
The rock grinding project is part of the broader effort to modernize infrastructure at the Soo Locks, a critical gateway for over 85 million tons of cargo annually. The successful completion of this phase marks a major milestone in the Corps’ commitment to maintaining safe and efficient navigation through the Great Lakes.
Fabick Technology Services, a regional leader in marine and construction technology solutions, provided technical support and training throughout the project. “We’re proud to support the Corps with tools that enhance both performance and safety,” said Jack Sagaitis, Technology Specialist. “Working with the Detroit district has allowed our team to take our standards to a new level. Being able to develop our technology to the needs and expectations of the Corps will allow us to lead the industry in these types of solutions and confidently apply our technology in any situation.”
As the New Lock at the Soo progresses toward its 2030 completion, the Detroit District’s use of cutting-edge tools like BargeVision Pro and TMC underscores its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
