Posted on April 4, 2017
By Jake Frith, MJ
Part of an extensive fleet of up to twenty specialist vessels have started to arrive at the Port of Dover, UK for the commencement of harbour dredging for the Port’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.
The DWDR Principal Contractor, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster (VSBW), has mobilised various items of floating equipment which has begun arriving in Dover to undertake initial harbour dredging to remove soft sediment.
The first vessel to arrive was the Kreeft, a self-propelled crane barge which is fitted with bespoke attachments for the identification and removal of obstructions.
Dredging vessels include two trailing suction hopper dredgers, the 1,500m³ capacity Sospan Dau and one of the 4,500m3 Causeway class vessels. These will dredge, remove and relocate soft sediment to the designated offshore licensed disposal area.
Harder material will be dredged with the MP40 backhoe dredger, which will transfer dredged material to the 800m³ self-discharging split hopper barges Wadden 1 and Wadden 4 for removal to the disposal area. The trailer dredgers and split hoppers will be steaming regularly between the Port and the disposal area ahead of the initial piling programme.
To facilitate these operations, there will be other support vessels such as tugs and survey vessels operating within the harbour.
Stuart Eckersley, Project Director for VSBW, stated: “Starting the main dredging activities marks an important milestone for the project. We will be seeing a range of specialist vessels operating in the harbour from Boskalis Westminster’s extensive dredging fleet.”
Approximately one million cubic metres of silt, gravel and chalk will be removed from the harbour to allow for the creation of a purpose-built cargo and logistics facility, a new marina and a transformed waterfront at Europe’s busiest ferry Port.
The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area. With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver new waterfront businesses, relocation and development of the cargo facilities and more space for waiting ferry traffic.
DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c.£250m committed to deliver the first phase. It is identified in the Government’s National Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2016-2021 (published March 2016) as a priority for port capacity investment. The Plan was produced by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, reporting to HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office.
The project scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.
VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.
With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.
A new marine safety exclusion zone has been established in the harbour as the marine civil engineering project gathers momentum.
This is an extension to the existing 50m safety zone which was in place, adjacent to the Prince of Wales Pier, during recent height reduction works.The safety zones will be signposted at various locations along the seafront Esplanade and will be in place throughout the construction period.
Jack Goodhew, General Manager – Special Projects, Port of Dover, said: “The start of the preparatory dredging works for DWDR is another visible sign of our commitment to deliver this strategic infrastructure development, identified by the Government in its National Infrastructure Delivery Plan as a priority for port capacity investment.”
The Port expects to welcome up to twenty different VSBW vessels as it enters the harbour dredging phase prior to piling commencing.
Source: MJ
