Greenock port upgrade to future-proof operations

The £3.8 million upgrade has seen quayside crane rails removed and replaced in anticipation of two new £25 million ship-to-shore cranes.

“The arrival of our new cranes later this year represents a really important milestone in the history of Clydeport,” said James McSporran, director of Clydeport at Peel Ports Group.

“They will be key in future proofing the port, as well as helping us meet increased demand from cargo owners and fostering continued economic and employment opportunities in the Inverclyde area.”

Deans Civil Engineering, part of the RSK Group, has supported Peel Ports on this key project, the largest single investment for the container terminal since it began operating in 1969.

“On this project we adopted the role of principal contractor which has allowed us to effectively manage complex subcontract packages, such as marine and rail subcontractors, while self-delivering the civils element of the project,” explained managing director, Steven Deans.

“These included Rapid Rail for the installation of new crane rails, Shearwater Marine to fit the four storm anchors on the vertical face of the quayside and RJ Smith for earthing works.”

Logistics was a challenge, said Deans, as the port needed to remain operational during the upgrade.

“This provided a challenge for our team to ensure that our construction works did not obstruct the daily operations of the port, while delivering our contractual works within the agreed time period,” he said.

Deans Civil Engineering will be working on another project for Peel Port to create an egress road supporting offshore wind turbine supply at King George V Docks in Glasgow.

The £1.5 million project will include extensive bulk earthworks, creating a new 11,000m² storage area and various section 56 and section 109 alterations to existing road infrastructure.