Mooring dolphins are subjected large lateral loads from ships caused by impact, wind and wave action, and even ice. A mooring dolphin failure can be catastrophic especially during inclement weather. A detailed understanding of subsurface conditions, local weather conditions, anticipated ship usage, tidal variations, etc. is crucial to the design and construction of functional mooring dolphins. We make sure to collect the site information required to design and construct dolphins that can stand the test of time in Alaska’s harsh marine environment. We tailor our designs to make use of available equipment without sacrificing functionality.