Port of Newhaven has benefited from a crew transfer vessel (CTV) pontoon upgrade to support the 400MW Rampion offshore wind farm.
As part of the refurbishment for the operations and maintenance (O&M) base for the development, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) has installed a floating concrete breakwater within the Port of Newhaven to provide safe berthing facilities for CTVs.
Rampion was the first offshore wind farm built off the south coast of England and is owned and operated by RWE Renewables.
The O&M base is a permanent structure, located within the Port of Newhaven comprising offices, warehousing and berthing and quayside facilities for the wind farm commissioning and maintenance vessels.
Working with civil engineering firm Knights Brown, ICMS designed and installed a 90-linear metre concrete breakwater.
The floating structure, with external pile guides, has a width of 4.5 metres providing ample space for the associated electrical, water, lighting and fuel services required.
Manufactured in ICMS’ highly controlled pre-cast facilities in Banagher, Ireland, the concrete pontoon has a 200mm rubber D-fender and one metre freeboard to match that of the vessels using it, creating a comfortable berthing facility for the CTVs serving the Rampion offshore wind farm.
With a durable, textured decking designed for commercial use, the crews have continuous safe access to their vessels night and day, all year round, whatever the weather.
“I can truly say it’s been an absolute pleasure working with Inland and Coastal’s project team from the start of the design stage to the delivery of the breakwater and the successful hand over to our client,” said Knights Brown contracts manager Arron Dolan.