New gates to unlock Milford Dock potential

The main work to construct the new lock gates within the existing entrance lock will take place from the beginning of 2013, with the new shorter lock being completed and commissioned before the end of the year. Ultimately it will offer sailors a 24 hour locking service compared to the limited current access.

“The tender submission by Atkins was of excellent quality and their submitted fee was also competitive. Early meetings with members of their delivery team have been reassuring in their understanding of the project and the restrictive manner in which it will have to be progressed in order not to disturb the existing operations”, said Andrew Brown, engineering director for Milford Haven Port Authority.

Representatives from Atkins and MHPA have held their first meeting to discuss the programme of work, with particular attention to the possible disturbance to the operations of the Docks/Marina.

Commenting on their appointment, Derek Fenn, chief engineer at Atkins said, “Atkins is delighted to be chosen as the designer for this prestigious and technically demanding project. Working with specialist gate designer Ken Grubb Associates Limited, the Atkins led team offered the Port the ideal combination of proven gate construction experience with robust marine engineering skills for this truly historic structure.”

The initial site investigations were expected to take place late last month and were to include taking samples from the bottom of the existing lock entrance channel. Detailed design, and careful planning of the works will take place over the summer. There will then be a thorough tender process to appoint an experienced contractor later this year to build and install the new lock gates.

Building the new lock is part of a major investment undertaken by the Port Authority to make Milford Marina one of the top marine leisure destinations in Britain.

The development is part of Visit Wales’ Coastal Tourism Project, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, to encourage tourism along the Welsh coastline.