The busy Railway Pier at Oban is the departure point for the many lifeline ferry services to the Isles. This two-phase £5.5m project was for the construction of a second roll-on/roll-off berth which would ease the congestion and delays experienced during the busy summer months when ferries were often forced to stand off in Oban Bay awaiting the existing single berth to clear.
Phase 1 involved a seaward, extension of the quayside over an 80m length adjacent to the new glass-fronted terminal building, with Phase 2 comprising demolition of the existing roundheads and access gangways and extensive new works to further extend the quay front with the construction of the linkspan lifting platforms, berthing dolphins and vehicular approach routes.
The structure was constructed with large diameter vertical and raking tubular piles supporting,
precast concrete decking, edge beams and access stairways, with some 900cum of insitu concrete to the deck topping, linkspan bankseats and dolphins.
Working closely with the designers, extensive value engineering yielded significant benefits during the contracts, reducing construction risks and providing additional berthing facilities.
The 100t linkspan was prefabricated offsite and lifted into place by the Mersey Mammoth – the largest self-powered floating crane operating in western UK waters.
Vertical fendering, berthing face timber, pier furniture, bollards, access ladders, handrails, fencing, water and refuelling services reconfigured access route, pavings and drainage completed the works.
Key Facts
| Client: | Caledonian Maritime Assets |
| Engineer: | Arch Henderson LLP |
| Contract Value: | £5.5m |
| Duration of works: |