Ullapool Slipway Reconstruction

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Lochshell Engineering were appointed in January 2018 by Ullapool Harbour Trust to be the Principal Contractor for all works involved in the reconstruction of a slipway in Ullapool, Wester Ross.

The existing slipway at Ullapool was designed to be used by small vessels for either mooring, or for taking boats in and out of the water via the slipway and concrete slabs. The reconstruction works carried out by Lochshell Engineering now allows for use of the slipway at greater range of tides.

The refurbished and extended jetty serves as a base for the yacht club and is also used as a hub for the local coastal fraternity. Overall, the slipway was widened by 1.8 and extended by a further 16.5m.

The works involved the following:

• An initial site visit was undertaken to ascertain the existing condition of the quay and slipway.
• In-house fabrication of precast culvert units.
• Design, manufacture and galvanise slipway staircase.
• Fabrication and galvanising of mooring rings and toe rails. 
• Delivery of components from Lochshell to Ullapool via road haulage.  

On site works involved the following:

• Removal of loose material from the end of the slipway and surrounding area.
• Removal of existing mooring rings and existing fender strips.
• Cleaning of the slipway to removal all marine growth. 
• Removal of topsoil and excavation of trenches adjacent to the slipway. 
• Construction of a reinforced concrete upstand walls and top slab, enclosing the existing slipway.
• Excavation of slipway extension.
• Construction of a 16.5m slipway extension below mean water level using a combination of precast elements and in-situ concrete.
• Infill remaining extension area with mass concrete and tie in with newly refurbished deck. 
• Construction of concrete plinth beside the slipway to facilitate local inshore fishing boats maintenance.
• Installation of slipway staircase.
• Installation of mooring rings and toe rails. 
• Sourcing and installation of HDPE rubbing strips.
• Sourcing and installation of 3No rockpools along the sides of the slipway at different tidal zones to facilitate local marine enthusiasts to observe.
• Installation of new drainage adjacent to the access ramp.
• Resurfacing of the carpark area. 

 Works completed June 2018