Project detail

Before the project requirements could be defined, AWA’s Principal Marine Engineer, Ed Ellis, carried out an inspection to review the number of fenders that required replacing. This involved an assessment above the waterline to understand the level of corrosion caused by the marine environment.

Once the client had received the report and agreed that seven fenders needed replacing, berthing energy calculations were carried out to ensure the correct elastomeric units were chosen for application. These calculations look at the size of the boats that come in to dock and the speed and the angle they berth at. This process establishes the energy from which the fender specifications can be determined.

The steel piles are specifically manufactured by M-Tec Southern Solutions, a contractor AWA have collaborated with on many projects. Renowned on the South Coast, the company use specialist marine contractors to fit their products who are reliable and understand the unique requirements of working in marine environments.

Being given the tight turnaround of seven days meant that from the offset the AWA team were pre-empting any issues that might arise. In the inspection stage, it was noted that some bolts were becoming slightly corroded, so the team designed a solution in case problems were to arise. All went smoothly when the contractors started, and the project was completed in just five days which was a huge success for all involved.

The steel piles will last the client another 40-50 years, with elastomeric unit replacements needed routinely. While cheaper to replace, they can become damaged easily if the boats berth quickly and can also be susceptible to UV damage.