Port Ellen Linkspan

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Lochshell Engineering were appointed in November 2015 by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited to be the Principal Contractor for the replacement of the linkspan at Port Ellen, Islay. 

Originally designed by Crouch and Hogg, Port Ellen linkspan was fabricated and installed circa 1974 for the Scottish Transport Group. The linkspan was situated on-shore in a recess built into the pier wall adjacent to the main pier structure. The existing linkspan was showing signs of deterioration, therefore a new linkspan with greater capacity was commissioned.

The works involved the following: 

•  Initial site survey was undertaken to verify information contained within the project drawings and assist with the production of fabrication drawings. 
• Preparation of detailed fabrication and assembly drawings for the following parts: linkspan structure, lifting columns, vehicle barriers, cover plates, parking pins and pulley wheel brackets.
• Fabrication of the linkspan and above parts, with 10% MPI and 100% visual tests carried out.
• Trial assembly of components with observation from the client. 
• Grit blasting to SA2.5 and application of protective paint system to a film thickness of 450 microns, as well as application of anti-slip aggregate to the new linkspan deck. 
• All associated testing.
• Design and fabrication of a bespoke frame to allow transportation of the new linkspan via road from Wick to Scrabster Harbour. Onward delivery to Port Ellen via barge. 

On site works involved the following:

•   ROV pre works survey.
• Removal of existing transition flaps and crash barriers.
• Removal of existing linkspan and columns which had to be cut into pieces for disposal off site to a registered scrap merchant. 
• Assisting with the quayside work of installing cylinders and pipework to the new linkspan.
• Localised concrete repairs to the under structure. 
• Installation of new linkspan columns. 
• Installation of new linkspan.
• Installation of cover plates, guardrails, transition flaps and crash barriers.
• Supervision of hydraulics contractor. 
• All lifting works was carried out using a 130 tonne crane.
• Numerous on-site modifications as per the request of the client.
• ROV post works survey.

Works completed November 2016