Innovative decking solution for Yarmouth’s new pontoons

Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight has recently seen upgrading of the pontoon systems, carried out by Walcon Marine, involving restructuring of the marina with 400m of pontoons being re-positioned and another 200m of new units added, creating additional capacity. Walcon’s System 21 pontoon design was chosen for the new development, a system with proven durability and flexibility. The pontoons were fitted out with water, power and low-level lighting. A new bridge head and access bridge to the shore were required and work also included repositioning of existing, and installation of additional new piles.

The interesting aspect of this project, however, is the first use in the UK of the innovative Kebony decking material on its finger pontoons. Tropical hardwoods and preservative treated timbers are often used as pontoon decking but there is demand now for more sustainable and green solutions to developments such as this.

Oslo based Kebony AS was formed in 1997 following earlier research to modify wood in an environmentally friendly manner to prevent decay and improve performance and appearance. Their award-winning hardwood substitute involves an environmentally friendly process of ‘Kebonization’ where the wood is impregnated with a patented mixture based on furfuryl alcohol, a liquid produced from agricultural crop waste, which reacts with the fibres permanently strengthening the wood. Over time Kebony evolves with its surrounding natural landscape, acquiring a silver grey coating that will complement the local Isle of Wight scenery.

Kebony’s green credentials have been recognised in their designation as a Global Cleantech 100 company, Norwegian studies demonstrating Kebony SYP to have 10% of the carbon footprint of rainforest wood such as Brazilian Ipê. Their wood products have been used in boardwalk projects in Norway and the United States including at Bethany Beach Delaware. Kebony maple decking has also been used as a substitute for teak for a number of high-profile boats such as the Contessa 32, the Atlantis Verve and Elan, the Windy SR52 Blackbird and W40 Maestro boats.