Portland Port in the UK is investing £26 million (US$29.8 million) in a new berth development project.
The development will see the port's existing deep water berth (DWB) removed and replaced with a new extended berth. In addition, the works will deliver a 74-metre extension to the solid quay face of the port's current primary cruise berth, the Outer Coaling Pier (OCP).
The outcome of the development works will be a brand new DWB with a 250-metre solid berth face, including a suite of new 150-tonne bollards and with 12 metres water depth alongside, capable of handling cruise ships up to 350 metres long. In addition, OCP will be extended to produce a 250-metre solid berth face with 11 metres water depth alongside.
Overall the project will deliver 16,000 square metres of additional quayside space and be capable of handling two 350-metre LOA cruise ships alongside at the same time.
The piling works contract has been awarded to local company Red 7 Marine.
The preparatory works are already underway. Once complete, the development will have used 380,000 tonnes of locally sourced infill material and 4,800 tonnes of steel.
The piling works are due to commence at the beginning of October with the both OCP and DWB being fully operational by May 1, 2023.
The initial surface finish of the quayside will be temporary but heavy duty, to allow for settling, with final surfacing works due to take place between October 2023 and February 2024.
