Photo Credit: Navy Pier Marina
Navy Pier Opens Transient Marina with Advanced Floating Breakwater in Chicago
On June 13, the highly anticipated Navy Pier Marina opened its doors to boaters on the north side of Navy Pier in Chicago. This new facility, a long‑planned addition to the iconic lakefront destination, can accommodate vessels up to 183 feet (55 meters) in length and provides approximately 150 short‑term and overnight slips for recreational craft.
Central to the marina’s design is a state‑of‑the‑art floating concrete breakwater, extending 300 feet (91.44 meters), composed of five SF400 Series units that absorb and dissipate wave energy. These units, coupled with a complementary wave fence and anchored support system, ensure calm waters within the harbor, reducing chop from Lake Michigan’s wakes.
Nearly 2,400 meters of Structurmarine floating aluminum docks line the pier’s edge, offering broadside mooring with repositionable cleats, power, water, Wi‑Fi, and pump‑out capabilities. Additional services include 24/7 security, laundry, restrooms, showers, and pet‑friendly amenities.
The project, spearheaded by developer Randy D. Podolsky under NPM Venture LLC, began gaining traction in 2015 but encountered delays due to permitting and security concerns during the previous administration. With renewed city leadership and approval secured, including a 50‑foot security perimeter around the nearby Jardine Water Purification plant, construction was completed this spring at a private cost of approximately $16–22 million. At the grand opening, 30 boats were among the first to dock, and a yacht rendezvous featuring 17 vessels followed shortly afterward. Through June, over 200 slip reservations have already been confirmed, with peak dates such as the Air & Water Show and Chicago International Boat Show wait‑listed.
Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the marina as a gateway for waterborne visitors to explore Chicago and Navy Pier, while Podolsky reflected on the project’s decades‑long journey from concept to reality.
This new marina transforms Navy Pier into a true multi‑modal destination accessible by land, water, and air. It strengthens Chicago’s reputation as a waterfront city and opens fresh opportunities for local businesses, tourists, and boating enthusiasts to engage with the vibrant lakefront landscape.
