Ghost Ship, a 90-foot, three-dimensional light and water installation, is making it’s home at Race Street Pier in Philadelphia from October 4 to November 3. This public art installation is an 18th-century ship on display to shine light on the history of the Delaware River and its role in shaping Philadelphia today. It’s sponsored by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC). The Ghost Ship installation includes a self-guided audio tour including reflections of local experts and artists speaking to the river’s importance to Philadelphia with diverse stories from before colonization to present day.
Our Philadelphia office assisted DRWC, the artist Biangle Studio, and all project partners in bringing the Ghost Ship to life. Our Philadelphia structural group provided a structural design to ensure stability of the rig supporting the water hoses and the two lighting barges. This is the first projection installation in tidal waters and the rigs needed to be able to fluctuate vertically with the tide while staying horizontally fixed. Our Philadelphia Civil/Site group help determine the site of the rig to ensure there was proper depth for the pumps in low tide. The pumps require a minimum depth of three feet, and the tide in the Delaware River differs six feet. The group also obtained the necessary permitting from the Army Core of Engineers and the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Our Philadelphia MEP group also provided electrical engineering support.
DRWC is a longtime Pennoni client and has implemented this Waterfront Art Program to celebrate the history of the Delaware River. This installation is the first of sculptures and displays planned for the waterfront in the coming months. Pennoni is familiar with art projects in Philadelphia, including Big Bling, the Winter Fountains, and Cristal Palace. 
Artist: Biangle Studio
Curated By: Ryan Strand Greenberg
Engineering: Pennoni
Construction: AP Construction
Produced By: Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Supported By: William Penn Foundation and the Pennslyvania Council on the Arts
Sound Engineering By: Noah Donnelly and Ben Cassorla
Composed By: Jon Anderson
Project Manager: Maria Möller
Programming Manager: Dianne Loftis
Fabricator: Consortium Eventtechnik