Case Study Overview
Under Coniston’s framework agreement with the Metropolitan Police, Red7Marine was contracted to undertake extensive repair works at Wapping Boat Yard.
These works included:
- The installation of two mooring piles to the police mooring pontoon
- Structural Repairs to the boatlift platform following impact from a river cruise boat
- The installation of new timber fendering and refurbishment of boatlift
At a glance
- Location: Metropolitan Police Marine Unit, Wapping, London
- Plant used: Haven Seaseven 400T jack-up barge / Haven Seaforth flat top barge
- What we did: Red7Marine carried out essential repairs to the Wapping Police Pontoon.
- Contract value: £1,800,000
The Challenge
In January 2020 a London Party boat collided with the Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit dock, damaging the pontoon and the Syncrolift which is used to lift vessels in and out of the water for maintenance.
The pontoon is used 24/7 to respond to terror threats and other maritime emergencies along 56 miles of the Thames – making the repair works critical.
The Solution
The pontoon suffered damage to the concrete pillars of its hoist and the collision meant the lift was no longer safe to use. The Syncrolift was damaged so badly that its ability to provide the best policing had been significantly reduced and the unit could no longer lift boats in and out of the river from the yard to the water and vice versa.
Red7Marine was contracted to provide specialist marine expertise and support to the project which has involved:
Boat Lift Repairs
- Removing the existing platform to fit in with operational requirements and disposing of concrete posts and timbers
- Soffit access and shutters installed along with 2 new 970mm x 28.6mm thk x 20m piles and deck reinforcement
- Overseeing diving works to remove subsea frames from piles and to remove lower timber fenders
- Repaired and recommissioned winches and reinstated boat lift deck and frame which has been successfully load tested
Pontoon
- Installing new dolphins 2no 1.2m diameter piles x 25m long which were trimmed to level. Piles were installed using a vibration hammer.
- Connecting new dolphins to the existing pontoon
- Our in-house engineering department completed pre-planning, construction sequencing and logistical assessments for all project operations within the challenging marine environment. The team then further analysed and designed all project temporary works including piling gates, access / egress gangways, marine heavy lift plans and stability / structural checks for all jack-up barge operations.
- All marine operations were thoroughly planned to mitigate risk, planning around tides and weather windows.
- We specifically adapted one of our jack-up barges with a temporary support system to bear the load of the reinforced concrete slab on the Wapping boat lift. This solution allowed the removal and replacement of two damaged piles, all while ensuring the police berth remained fully operational 24/7.
- The barge not only provided critical temporary structural support but also accommodated the crane and piling equipment needed to complete the work within a short timeframe. This solution made it possible to minimise disruption and maintain operations during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
