850 m
Re-facing of approximately 850m of existing quay walls
Infrastructure
Peterhead Harbour deepening and infrastructure improvements
We acted as lead consultant to support the port's masterplan to develop the harbour, which included dredging, quay wall strengthening and deepening and reclamation.
Peterhead Harbour is the UK’s largest white and pelagic fish port and a leading base for servicing the offshore oil and gas industry. The port handles a range of agricultural products and is well-positioned to benefit from the offshore renewables and decommissioning markets and continue its subsea support.
Its strategic location, deepwater berthing and continual investment in modern facilities are key factors in its success.
Key details
Project name
Peterhead Harbour Deepening and Infrastructure Improvements
Client
Peterhead Port Authority
Location
Scotland
Services provided:
- Maritime infrastructure
- Coastal engineering
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering
- Project management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
Challenge
The works were to be undertaken within a working port environment. A key challenge was how to achieve the balance between the most economical design solutions and the practicalities of maintaining port vessel operations to as normal a level as possible during the course of the works.
In addition to maintaining port operations, our team addressed many technical challenges:
- A high degree of variability, like the bedrock throughout the harbour basin
- The potential for water ingress if undertaking works in the dry
- Phasing of dredging and underpinning works to maintain the stability of existing walls
- Maximising the beneficial re-use of dredged rock in reclamation works
- Diversion of major services
- Phasing and integration with simultaneous construction of a new fish market
Solution
We developed a solution which avoided the major risks associated with attempting to dry the harbour and the subsequent impact on port operations. An innovative piled solution strengthened and deepened the quay walls and berths, allowing dredging and wall construction to be undertaken ‘in the wet’.
We prepared and managed a range of environmental and statutory consenting processes to ensure the project met all statutory requirements throughout the works.
Extensive ground investigation works and geotechnical assessment allowed the development of a scheme of dredging and reclamation that maximised the sustainable and economic benefits of reusing dredge spoil as fill material.
Project statistics
140,000 m3
Dredging of bedrock in the harbour basin
35,000 m3
Reuse of dredged material as infill behind an armoured revetment
£ 38 m
Total works value
Key contacts
Mark McConnell
Director - Maritime Infrastructure and Ocean Energy