The renovation of one of the most historic ports on the English southern coast is underway.
Work has begun on the Stage 21 Fishing Jetty Replacement project at West Quay, Newhaven. The project is managed by the port’s operator, Newhaven Port & Properties (NPP), and funded by the UK Government with grant funding secured by Lewes District Council.
Stage 21 is located on the west bank of the River Ouse, immediately north of the Newhaven Fish and Flake Ice Society buildings, directly opposite Newhaven’s East Quay, and south of the Swing Bridge. “The project will replace the existing fishing stages 10, 11 and 12 with a modern steel jetty, access walkway and pontoon system,” an NPP representative said in an email to Marine Construction Magazine. “This is a new construction project but includes the removal of outdated infrastructure. The work involves demolition of the existing timber fishing stages 10 and 11/12; installation of new steel tubular and sheet piles; construction of a new steel jetty and 50-meter floating pontoon; dredging of the berth pocket to navigable depth; and upgrades to revetments, lighting, water supply and safety features.”
Herbosch-Kiere Marine Contractors, Ltd. was awarded the contract for the Newhaven Stage 21 renovation.
The renovation has a number of critical challenges, NPP stated in the email.
“One of the key constraints is minimizing disruption to port activities and operations and also impact on the existing revetment and surrounding structures,” NPP representatives wrote. “As such, almost all construction will be undertaken from the water, using a jack-up barge and other floating plant. The removal of the existing timber structures and piles presents an initial challenge. While much of the demolition will be straightforward mechanical cut and lift, some timber piles may resist extraction due to seabed conditions. In such cases, they will be cut below mudline level. Additionally, operating in a tidal environment, coordinating access windows, and working alongside other port operations adds further complexity.”
Logistics were also challenging. “One of the key constraints is minimizing disruption to port activities and operations and also impact on the existing revetment and surrounding structures,” NPP stated. “All construction will be undertaken from the water, using a jack-up barge and other floating plant.”
Herbosch-Kiere said that a major factor in their successful bid was their in-house, water-based construction methodology.
“By undertaking the works from the river using our own jack-up barge and specialist marine plant, we can significantly reduce disruption, minimize the impact on surrounding structures, and eliminate unnecessary interaction with public areas such as the footpath and revetment,” their representative said. “This approach is safer, more efficient, and ideally suited to the constraints of this unique working environment.” “We’re delighted to play a part in delivering this important upgrade for Newhaven’s harbor community,” said Mark Casey, senior project manager for Herbosch-Kiere. “Our specialist marine construction capabilities make us well-placed to deliver the project efficiently and with minimal impact.”
The renovation project is expected to be completed in February 2026.
