Project Overview:
Case Study: Pioneering Infrastructure at Aberdeen South Harbour
Project: Aberdeen Harbour Expansion Project (AHEP)
Location: Aberdeen South Harbour
Date: August 2023
The Challenge: A Milestone in Marine Infrastructure
The Aberdeen South Harbour expansion represents the largest marine infrastructure project in the history of UK Trust Ports, valued at £420 million. Following years of planning and construction that commenced in 2017, the expanded port now offers 2,800 metres of deep-water berths. The scale of the project required a fendering and safety solution capable of supporting high-frequency berthing operations for large-scale vessels in a brand-new deep-water environment.
The DockGuard Solution
This project marked a significant milestone for DockGuard, requiring a comprehensive role that spanned from engineering design to on-site installation. We provided a high-volume, integrated system designed for maximum energy absorption and personnel safety.
Key System Components:
68 DCN 1300 Cone Fender Systems: The core of the berthing protection, delivered in two primary batches (55 sets and 13 sets) to meet the specific energy requirements of different quay sections.
Safety Ladder Sets: 78 sets of bespoke safety ladders designed to provide reliable emergency and maintenance access across the expansive new berthage.
Rigorous Validation: The contract included dedicated fender testing to ensure all 68 systems met the stringent performance specifications required for a project of this magnitude.
Innovation in Design
A standout feature of this project was the bespoke ladder arrangement, which was entirely designed in-house by the DockGuard technical team. Unlike standard off-the-shelf solutions, these ladders were engineered specifically to integrate with the unique structural profile of the Aberdeen South Harbour quayside, ensuring long-term durability in the harsh North Sea environment.
Our involvement in both the supply and installation phases allowed for seamless project management, ensuring that these bespoke safety components and the heavy-duty cone fenders were positioned with absolute precision.
Project Outcome
The Aberdeen Harbour expansion stands as a flagship project for DockGuard. By delivering high-performance DCN 1300 fenders and custom-engineered safety infrastructure, DockGuard has helped the Port of Aberdeen realize its vision of becoming a premier deep-water destination for the energy and maritime sectors.
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