The linkspan will be upgraded to meet with current legislation, mainly PUWER, and to handle increases in vehicle loadings which have occurred since it was built.

The linkspan structure is currently undergoing a full repaint and relaying of the road surface on both decks. Most importantly, the team working on the project is also completing the re-design, procurement and installation of fourhydraulic lifting cylinders, each with a capacity of 350 tons and a totalweight of 30 tons.

In addition, the 10m long finger flaps that make the final connection to the vessel have been redesigned and are due to be replaced. A hydraulic safety manifold on the cylinders and a safety system for the finger flap hydraulics has also been developed, in conjunction with John Henderson UK.

The replacement and testing of the first cylinder was completed towards the end of last year. Royal Haskoning engineers designed and used a system where two 200 ton cranes manoeuvred the cylinders. In January, the remaining three cylinders were replaced, along with the hydraulic power pack, and this month the operating system will be replaced with one that allows maintenance trends to be recorded to enable preventative maintenance. It will also incorporate all the necessary safety systems required under current legislation.

Another maintenance project will include a PUWER safety audit of Terminal 1 in line with the EU’s Machinery Directive. This will ensure that the facility is maintained to the highest safety standards. Meanwhile, Royal Haskoning engineers are also working with Stena Line and Anglesey County Council to look at the development of the port and Holyhead’s other waterside areas.