Port of Milford Haven

Through our renowned early-engagement approach, Inland & Coastal helped the Port of Milford Haven develop a practical solution for new berthing facilities at their Pilot Jetty on Gorsewood Drive.

With the port’s investment and transition to new state-of-the-art pilot vessels, and the continued use of the existing fleet, we designed a system that would accommodate a wide range of vessels. 

Supervised by Arcadis, work comprised the design, manufacture, delivery, testing and installation of a new 70-metre by 4-metre heavy-duty pontoon, designed to provide a robust, future-ready platform to support the port’s growing operational needs. 

Complementing this is a newly constructed 33-metre gangway, replacing the existing structure to improve accessibility, safety and efficiency for users at all states of the tide.

We also worked closely with operational sub-contractor 3RS who managed on site operations. 

Challenges

The site is highly exposed to south-easterly winds, which made it difficult to find a calm window for carrying out lifting operations, with the high winds proving a consistent challenge throughout the project. In addition, divers were required to cut two existing piles that were filled with concrete, which took longer than anticipated and contributed to delays. 

At the extreme end of the pontoon, the wind-driven chop was particularly severe, further impacting safe working conditions.

In addition, as part of the contract, there were significant works to remove existing infrastructure, pontoon and gangway as well as some well established piles that needed specialist diving and cutting processes to remove completely.

Overall, the benefits of the project include safe access to vessels from land, enhanced by the durable non-slip GRP decking, as well as heavier and more stable pontoons. These benefits will prove invaluable to the pilot boats and crews regularly operating in the area.