Associated British Ports (ABP) has completed the installation of new lock gates at the Wet Dock entrance at the Port of Ipswich.
The £2 million pound investment will support the activities of Ipswich Haven and Neptune marinas as well as the wider leisure and tourism sector in Ipswich.
Work started on the contract 18 months ago. “We are delighted to have completed this project on schedule whilst fully adopting Covid-safe working procedures and we trust that this investment in new durable, high quality lock gates will help them fulfil their function for decades to come,” said Andrew Harston, ABP Wales and short sea ports director.
The new dock gates, comprising an outer and inner gate set, regulate water in the Wet Dock, maintaining safe water levels in the Ipswich Haven and Neptune Marinas. To help deliver this project, ABP commissioned Ravestein, a company specialising in heavy steel constructions such as bridges and lock gates.
The gates were delivered by barge ensuring there was no need for road transport and were accompanied by a floating crane which travelled from the Netherlands.
This latest upgrade follows ABP’s recent investment of £370,000 to repair Ipswich’s New Cut river wall, which brings the total amount invested in enhancing port infrastructure in the town to nearly £2.4 million in the past three months.
By Rebecca Strong
