The ‘cruise capital of Northern Europe’ is set to benefit from GRAHAM’s technical expertise ahead of the start of the 2019 cruise season.

The Port of Southampton, regarded as Europe’s leading turnaround cruise port, is undergoing a multi-million-pound upgrade and GRAHAM has been selected by ABP to complete major modifications that will significantly enhance the Port’s capacity.

Beginning in October 2018, the scheme is scheduled to last for six months.

The works will incorporate the delivery of complex operations and activities necessary to construct the capacity enhancement provisions at the Ocean Terminal.

Key elements of the scheme include the construction of 150 tonne bollards on reinforced concrete foundations secured by inclined ground anchors and the relocation of a 30m high mast lighting tower.

The project will also encompass the addition of a new entrance lobby, the alteration of the terminal building to provide improved, and additional, vertical transition, the expansion of the security X-Ray area and the provision of access to the second Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridge (SPBB).

The alteration of the store’s building roof, provision of a roof structure over the ‘fourth’ inward cabin baggage portal, the completion of a canopied vehicle set down area and the paving of the HGV marshalling zone, accommodating the realignment of the fencing and gates, plus new drainage, represent additional features of the programme.

Important achievement

Commenting on GRAHAM’s appointment, Leo Martin, GRAHAM Managing Director – Civil Engineering, said:

“The Port of Southampton is the fifth largest cruise port globally, therefore our selection to complete a complex works programme at such a prestigious location is a very important achievement for GRAHAM’s Civil Engineering Division.

“We will need to work efficiently to complete the works in time for the commencement of the 2019 cruise season. Our team is looking forward to this challenge and has already demonstrated its technical expertise during the dialogue stage of the process.

“Indeed, our alternative solution for the construction of the new 150 tonne bollards on reinforced concrete foundations, with the removal of the existing bollards, was specifically chosen for use by ABP.”

Relationship

The competitively tendered contract award is a continuation of GRAHAM’s long-term relationship with ABP.

ABP, the UK’s leading port operator/owner, has previously selected GRAHAM to complete a range of challenging programmes of work including the design and construction of the world’s largest dedicated biomass handling facility, the £120m Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal, the £114m redevelopment of Alexandra Dock at Green Port Hull, and the £26m transformation of Grimsby River Terminal.

Leo Martin added:

“We have established a very strong, collaborative relationship with ABP and are relishing the opportunity to strengthen this partnership at the Port of Southampton.

“Consistently we have demonstrated our capacity to deliver high-quality projects on time and to budget in the face of the unique challenges presented by port and marine environments. I would like to thank ABP for its continued support and can guarantee that our customer focussed approach will once again be diligently applied throughout this programme.”

Additional information

For more information on GRAHAM’s Civil Engineering Division and the projects it has undertaken, please visit https://www.graham.co.uk/expertise/civil-engineering