Challenging navaids upgrade work at busy coastal resort

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Southbay Civil Engineering Limited together with its specialist delivery partner Red7Marine have been undertaking critical works to three Aids to Navigation structures in New Brighton, UK, on behalf of Wirral Borough Council.

The navigational structures are being installed from Red7Marine’s 250 tonne 'Haven Seariser 1'

A collaborative working relationship has been maintained with the council’s project manager, Coastal Engineering UK, to deliver this technically and operationally challenging contract during the height of the tourist season.

New Brighton is a seaside resort forming part of the town of Wallasey within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, Merseyside. Located within an area of foreshore known as Fort Perch Rock, the three Aids to Navigation structures were constructed in the 1980s to mark submerged offshore coastal defences, providing safe navigation within the Mersey Estuary.

Following several recent inspections of the structures by client Wirral Borough Council, significant corrosion was identified, resulting in a decision to replace the existing structures, an obligation under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The project was subsequently awarded to Southbay Civil Engineering Limited as a two stage ECI contract. Phase 1 involved the agreement of target cost and finalising the design of the new structures. Phase 2 involved the onsite construction of the Navigation structures.

The final design involved replacing the tripod arrangement with a single 508mm diameter, concrete filled monopile complete with sleeve.

The navigational structures are being installed from Red7Marine’s 250 tonne Haven Seariser 1 jack-up barge, due to the need to work within the intertidal zone. This includes a two-tier piling gate mounted on the side of the barge. In addition to a piled foundation, the Navigational Aids also includes a superstructure, which consists of a gantry complete with handrailing. The superstructure was prefabricated off-site, allowing it to be installed in a single lift, thereby minimising the onsite programme. The new navigational structures include a fixed light which can be seen for three nautical miles. Upon completion the existing structures will be demolished.

A significant effort has been made to engage with the local supply chain in accordance with the councils ‘Community Wealth Building Agenda’. Carmet Marine, based in the Wirral, were awarded the contract to supply all supporting vessels, and to co-ordinate the movements of specialist marine plant.

By Jake Frith