By
Anonym |
Portland Port’s Queens Pier improvement project has been given the green light by the Board of Portland Port. Plans include the deepening of the seabed level either side of the Queens Pier outer arm, from eight metres to 11 metres.
Queen’s Pier was originally constructed in 1952, using reinforced concrete piles that were manufactured locally as the berth extended seawards. In 1973, it was further extended using similar design parameters but supported on steel piles. In 2011, two strong points and a new dolphin were built to accommodate the larger forces attributable to evolving vessels that would be accommodated on the berth.
To achieve the desired 11 metre depth, a major project must be undertaken to ensure the inherent strength of the berth is maintained. The project will involve sheet piling either side of the berth to maintain the historic context of the structure. Once the sheet piling is in place on either side of the berth, dredging can then begin.
At the same time, the berth will be extended by the construction of a new mooring dolphin, resulting in a facility for berthing vessels up to 230 metres long with drafts up to 10.5 metres. Once completed, this will enable some of the vessels which currently have to be accommodated elsewhere, to be berthed at Queen’s pier outer arm instead, thus increasing the port’s flexibility.
The project is due to begin in the New Year by CMP Thames Ltd, based in Ringwood. The firm will design, manage and construct the installation by the end June 2019.
Julian Branford, director at CMP Thames Ltd. Said: “CMP Thames are delighted to be awarded this contract and it is a privilege to be working with Portland Ports who, from previous experience, are a pleasure to work with.”
Alex Hayes, general manager of Landside at Portland Port, said: “It is great to be working with CMP Thames again after the successful completion of the OCP berth extension last year and to be part of the port’s continuous improvements.”