The burnt timber piles were removed to the height of the last remaining cross member to insure the structural integrity of what remained of the old wharf.

SeaStructures had brought in underwater survey specialists Subsea Vision to conduct an ROV survey of fire damage and underwater debris prior to site clearing and reconstruction.

Project Manager Gary Duff said, 'The instability of the damaged jetty ruled out the use of divers on safety grounds. We needed to ascertain the extent and position of debris and obstructions.

Subsea Vision's ROVs proved useful in ensuring this was achieved safely and efficiently.'

The survey revealed the location of a 130 tonne crane that had toppled into the sea during the blaze. Lying in 14m of water, it had to be brought up in four sections. The jib was taken out followed by two jib weights. The crane body was cleared in an 80 tonne straight lift, leaving only a small piece lying by shore and exposed at low tide. SeaStructures removed that also and transported all pieces to the scrap yard.

Reconstruction works have begun with hammers driving the new wharf's 120 steel piles, some of which are up to 26m long. The new Queen's Wharf will also be 195m long and 18m wide. Although much the same size as the old wharf, it will have better facilities, including greater craneage. The installation of a new concrete deck on top of concrete beams is scheduled to start next month. Finishing touches such as crane rails, water, oxyacetylene, compressed air and electrical services are due to be in place by late August.

The services are essential to A&P Falmouth ship repairers who have temporarily lost 40% of their available wharfage as a result of the fire. Careful scheduling has ensured that the busy order book has been maintained to keep the yard's 600 employees in work.

Recent contracts include a £4m refit of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Oakleaf, which is being turned around by the yard in only 53 days and is due to leave A&P Falmouth at the end of this month.

MJ Information No: 18205