Case Study Overview
Red7Marine was contracted by the Port of London Authority to support the Barrier Gardens Pier extension to include higher berthing capacity, whilst also making it safer and greener.
As a part of this contract Red7Marine carried out pile clearance works to ensure the area was safe for piling activity prior to the extension.
At a glance
- Location: Barrier Gardens Pier
- Plant used: 250T Haven Seariser 4
- What we did: Red7Marine cleared the riverbed of natural and man-made obstructions prior to completing the main piling works for the Barrier Gardens Pier extension
The Challenge
The purpose of the pile clearance was to remove any natural or man-made obstructions from the riverbed over two locations where the berthing piles for the new pontoon at Barrier Gardens were being installed.
The team expected to find wires, mooring ropes and timber. Both natural and manmade features were found during the clearance including wires and timber as expected. Fortunately, no obstructions that would have caused issues for the main works were found. However, on previous occasions, Red7Marine’s findings have been larger, including a 20t concrete block, old timber piles and a Victorian anchor.
The Solution
The task was completed using a 30t long reach excavator from WM Plant Hire working on the 250T Haven Seariser 4. The barge was put into position using survey assistance to ensure the legs did not sit within 5m of any anomalies.
Both pile positions were cleared ahead of the main piling works to minimise the risk of delays to the project before the piling barge arrived on site for the main works.
A UXO desktop study and geophysical survey completed in April 2020 highlighted a selection of potential anomalies within the site boundary.
Whilst these anomalies were a set distance from both planned pile locations and jack-up leg positions, there was a risk of potential UXO’s within the area. Red7Marine utilised a UXO to oversee the pile clearance works in the unlikely event that a UXO was encountered. A UXO brief was also and a site specific UXO emergency response plan produced.
For the main works, Red7Marine carried out the installation of two 38m length piles into the riverbed using both a vibratory and impact hammer, to support the extension which is due to be fully operational later this Summer. The extension will enable larger vessels, such as PLA flagship, London Titan, to dock directly at the pier, making it quicker and safer for crews to get on and off at the start and end of their shifts.
Red7Marine mobilised the Haven Seaseven 400t jack-up barge for the works and the Haven Seaforth flat top barge was also used for plant and equipment. The contract was completed within one week of mobilisation.
Complete Package Delivery
Red7Marine provided equipment, crew and engineering support to the project to ensure our clients’ successful delivery.
Solutions Provider
Red7Marine provided specialist barge and marine experience to the project.
Skilled Team
Red7Marine’s operations and engineering teams are all highly skilled and experienced in the marine environment providing partners with an industry-leading service.
