STELLAR-growth Co Down construction giant Graham has been appointed to carry out complex technical work on a multi-million pound scheme at the Port of Southampton, the world's fifth largest cruise hub.
Between now and the start of the 2019 cruise season in March, the Hillsborough firm will complete major modifications that will significantly enhance the port’s capacity, having been appointed by its owners ABP.
The works will incorporate the delivery of complex operations and activities necessary to enhance capacity at the Ocean Terminal, with key elements including the construction of 150 tonne bollards on reinforced concrete foundations secured by inclined ground anchors and the relocation of a 30 metre mast lighting tower.
The project will also encompass the addition of a new entrance lobby, the alteration of the terminal building to provide improved vertical transition, the expansion of the security X-ray area and the provision of access to the second seaport passenger boarding bridge.
Leo Martin, managing director of the civil engineering division at Graham, said: “Our selection to complete a works programme at such a prestigious location as the Port of Southampton is a very important achievement for us.
"We are looking forward to this challenge and have already demonstrated our technical expertise during the dialogue stage of the process.
“Indeed, our alternative solution for the construction of the new 150 tonne bollards on reinforced concrete foundations, with the removal of the existing bollards, was specifically chosen for use by ABP.”
Graham - which recently reported a whopping 36 per cent rise in turnover to £767.6 million - has already forged a long-term relationship with port operator ABP, working on schemes including the £120m Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal, the £114m redevelopment of Alexandra Dock at Green Port Hull, and the £26m transformation of Grimsby River Terminal.
Mr Martin added: “We've established a strong collaborative relationship with ABP and are relishing the opportunity to strengthen this partnership at the Port of Southampton.
“Consistently we have demonstrated our capacity to deliver high-quality projects on time and to budget in the face of the unique challenges presented by port and marine environments. Our customer focussed approach will again be diligently applied throughout this seven-month programme.”
