AMSL therefore developed safe systems of work and diving procedures that ensured both safety and continuity of work together with allowing undisturbed construction and vessel movements throughout the port.

In order to meet the high working standards required for all welding, Anglian Marine Services employed underwater welding specialist David Keats of Speciality Welds who developed welding procedures and coded all diving personnel in accordance with BS 4872-1 : 1982 at the AMSL base training tank. This was witnessed by both client and engineers responsible for marine works.

Due to limited land access all diving works were initially undertaken from the water, working from a 16m barge. This provided the flexibility required to work around the piling and quayside operations on the new berth. However, as areas were handed over, shipping increased dramatically necessitating the use of an alternative method of access.

Anglian Marine Services developed the concept of utilising a cantilevered frame which was capable of being lifted into position between the side of a vessel and the quay wall, with fender compression at 100%. In order to bridge the gap of 4.0m to the main quay wall, the platform deck was designed to unfold and extend out utilising a 7t tracked support crane.

AMSL operations manager Marc Prentice said, 'Utilising this method of access together with the excellent support and teamwork provided by Costain, berthing and crane managers including Dock Control, and Harwich VTS, diving operations can run 24 hours a day with minimal interference and downtime. At present we have two six man diving teams plus surface crews responsible for anode installation with an additional five man diving team responsible for installing three outfall pipe assemblies and undertaking enabling works'.

The six month contract was due for completion by the middle of this month and is on time and within budget.

MJ Information No: 20123