Defence Online

DPRTE Engage partner DIO redeveloping Northern Ammunition Jetty in Glen Mallan

Maritime July 27, 2020

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is investing £64-million in a redevelopment of the Northern Ammunition Jetty in Glen Mallan to support the Royal Navy’s surface fleet.

The jetty is used to load and unload ammunition. The original jetty was last upgraded in 1970 and had reached the end of its natural life. It needed to be rebuilt so that the facility could continue to be used by the Royal Navy’s existing vessels and to make it suitable for the new aircraft carriers. The infrastructure works are expected to provide the new jetty with a design life of up to 50 years.

Contractors VolkerStevin are undertaking the project with completion planned for 2021. The original jetty has been demolished ready for the construction of its replacement. All waste from the jetty demolition has been transported on barges to recycling facilities on the Clyde to minimise disruption to the public and will be reused for construction. The project team has also installed 97 jetty head piles into the sea bed to support a reinforced concrete deck for the new jetty.

The works also include the installation of 5 mooring dolphins which will be connected to the jetty by a pedestrian access bridge, and two of these piles for the mooring dolphins have been installed. 2 modular fender spacer units will be placed in front of the new fender panel and will move with the tide to prevent the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers’ overhanging flight decks from colliding with the jetty.

The project also includes the installation of 2 modern pedestal cranes, fire-fighting equipment, stores, back-up generators and pre-fabricated modular buildings for offices. To secure the site, new fencing and a CCTV system will be installed. Part of the project will see 14 mooring points installed on the dolphins to ensure the aircraft carriers can be securely berthed and resist tidal movement.

Craig Macdonald, DIO’s Project Manager, said: “The demolition of the existing jetty is an important step in preparing the site for vital infrastructure works to support the Royal Navy’s surface fleet in loading and unloading ammunition.

“Glen Mallan benefits from supplies of ammunition from Defence Munitions Glen Douglas, the largest weapons storage facility in western Europe, and can handle the high volume of ammunition needed for the surface fleets.

“We are pleased demolition has been completed along with the installation of 97 piles into the seabed. Infrastructure works are progressing as planned and we look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with VolkerStevin, Jacobs, local contractors and other partners to complete this crucial project.”

John McLoughlin, Marine and Defence Sector Director for VolkerStevin, said: “We are delighted to be delivering this key piece of infrastructure for DIO which further strengthens our relationship following the successful completion of other critical projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier Base Porting Infrastructure at HMNB Portsmouth and the Ro-Ro facility upgrade and refurbishment scheme in the Falklands Islands.”

Jacobs Critical Mission Solutions International Vice President, Jon Swift, said: “As Principal Service Provider, we managed the contract on behalf of DIO as part of a dedicated team with the vision and drive to keep this project moving forward. Through early contractor engagement and close collaborative working, we are in a good position to deliver within budget and programme constraints, providing the Royal Navy with an important facility for years to come.”

Fortunately, Coronavirus has only had a minor impact on the project. DIO’s primary concern is for the safety of our team who continue delivering critical infrastructure for defence. This work is considered by the government and MOD to be critical national infrastructure. Safety precautions have been put in place and DIO continues to work closely with our contractors to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of our workforce. Our staff and contractors on site are following the latest government and social distancing guidelines to help protect against Coronavirus.

DIO are official DPRTE Engage Online event partners. This year event is set to feature for the first time, an Infrastructure and Estates Pavilion, which will allow both buyers and suppliers to connect with key Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) personnel and gain an insight into the latest initiatives, developments and opportunities within defence infrastructure.

For those companies looking to engage with the infrastructure marketplace, the DIO-supported Infrastructure and Estates Pavilion will allow both buyers and suppliers to connect with key DIO personnel and gain an insight into the latest initiatives, developments and opportunities within defence infrastructure.

The Pavilion will also include a Knowledge Transfer Zone, which will see a range of topical educational and interactive sessions designed specifically to enhance attendees’ knowledge and ability to contribute to the future direction and delivery of the ongoing defence infrastructure and estates procurement programme.

The speakers include a number of leading experts from DIO and the wider defence infrastructure marketplace, including DIO’s Commercial Director Jacqui Rock.

Don’t miss out on the chance to visit DIO’s the Infrastructure & Estates Pavilion and hear from leading experts in infrastructure on how to do business with DIO. Book now at www.drpte.co.uk/book-now/

image © Crown Copyright

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Post written by: Matt Brown