Ideally positioned in the northeast of the U.K., the Port of Tyne is one of the key ports to serve North Sea offshore developments. Its Clean Energy Park, which is currently undergoing a significant upgrade and expansion project in the River Tyne section, will play an important role in supporting the country’s goal of powering every home with offshore wind energy.
ShibataFenderTeam collaborated with Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd to design and supply a customized solution: five double Cone Fender Systems, each consisting of two cone fenders (SPC 900, G3.1) and a closed box panel (6,700-by- 1,500mm) with UHMW-PE low friction pads. The order scope also included five sets of T-head bollards (100 tonnes).
The fender systems have been customized to comply not only with the new berthing line but also with the conditions at the location. For this reason, some fenders are equipped with relatively large steel spacers. Additionally, given the tidal variations typically experienced along this area of the UK coast, the steel panels are longer than usual and it is also worth noting that the thickness of the UHMW-PE pads is double the standard.
The SFT fender solution topped off a project that also encompassed, for example, the removal of redundant structures or the installation of 864-mm-diameter bearing piles. All these changes resulted in a significant increase in loading capacity, from 10 to 20 tonnes per square meter.
Reprinted from Marine Construction Magazine, Issue II, 2024.
