After a competitive tender process, Inland & Coastal were awarded the contract to design, manufacture and install a new pontoon and access gangway for the Pilot Jetty.
| Client | Port of Milford Haven |
| Date | February 2026 |
| Where | Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales |
Through our renowned early-engagement approach, Inland & Coastal helped the Port of Milford Haven develop a practical solution for new berthing facilities at the Pilot Jetty on Gorsewood Drive.
With the Port’s investment, 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
Typically, the site is protected from the usual prevailing south westerlies but during installation the site was exposed to strong south easterly winds which made it difficult to find a calm window for carrying out lifting operations, with the high winds proving a 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.
As part of the contract, there were also 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.
“Inland and Coastal worked closely with us from an early stage to develop a solution that met the operational demands of the Pilot Jetty, both now and into the future,” says Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster. “The team showed a clear understanding of the challenges on site and adapted really well as the project progressed, particularly given the weather conditions and complexities around removing existing structures.
“The finished pontoon and gangway provide a solid, practical improvement for our pilot operations, delivering safer access, stronger resilience and supporting efficient working practices. This outcome reflects excellent collaboration across teams and a commitment to high standards throughout. It’s a well-delivered project that supports the next phase of our fleet and infrastructure with confidence and reliability.”
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.
