The six Docking Solutions pontoons at Torquay Harbour, each 20 metres in length and two metres across, were installed fifteen years ago. The refurbishment project was undertaken in three phases over the course of the last six months, with two pontoons removed at a time and towed the 11 nautical miles up to Teignmouth where they were lifted out and taken by road to Walcon’s base in Segensworth, Hampshire. There, the decking on each pontoon was removed after which the steel cylinders that provide the buoyancy were blasted clean and then repainted. Additional steel was welded on to each for extra reinforcement and finally new decking was laid on top before they were returned to Devon.
Nick Burns, Deputy Harbour Master of Torquay Harbour, commented. “Torbay Harbour Authority is pleased to see the completion of the replacement project of the Torquay Town Dock. This project was initiated with the removal and refurbishment of the access bridge and rear eastern walkway in phase one and then each of the three main walkways within the dock. The project has now concluded with the replacement of the steel wave screen in three sections. Whilst the works were underway, protection to the dock was maintained by a temporary pontoon structure installed by Walcon.
“The Walcon team worked diligently with the harbour staff and completed the project within date whilst working with restricted access due to roadworks in the area. The new installation has been well received by harbour customers and has enhanced the facility for the future.”
“It was quite the logistical challenge,” added Walcon’s managing director, James Walters. “However, we are confident the pontoons will give many more years of service with minimal maintenance required.”