This project was to establish and maintain an adequate deepwater safety zone to ensure the safe launch of HMS Darling, the first of the new generation Type45 destroyers from BAE Systems ( Yarrows ) shipyard at Scotstoun on the River Clyde.
Dredging works were carried out by backhoe dredger, with two split-hopper support vessels transporting spoil to the licensed dumping ground off Cloch Point in the Firth Clyde. Continuous 24-hour working was carried out over a 6 day period to accommodate the critical pre-launch timescale. The navigable channel of the river had to be kept open to shipping at all times, necessitating close cooperation with BAe Systems and Clydeport.
A computerised 3-dimensional hydrographic initial survey together with final profile details were referenced to fixed, land-based survey stations, with real-time radio linkage ensuring that survey control was maintained throughout the excavation works.
Post launch revetment works were undertaken of the opposite riverbank, adjacent to Braehead shopping centre. This included underwater placement of flexible concrete mats to stabilise the river bank which were secured with the placement of a stone matrix within a pre excavated trench. This final stage helped ensure that the deepwater safety zone will be maintained in a suitable condition for future launches without risk to the stability of the opposing river bank.
Key Facts
| Client: | BAE Systems |
| Engineer: | Arch Henderson |
| Contract Value: | £643,000 |
| Duration of works: | November 2005 - March 2006 |