Rope and Sling supplies lifting gear for Dover revival

Rope and Sling Specialists (RSS) has supplied lifting and rigging equipment to the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) project on the Kent, UK coast. The order, which included a 100t capacity Modulift

Rope and Sling Specialists (RSS) has supplied lifting and rigging equipment to the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) project on the Kent, UK coast. The order, which included a 100t capacity Modulift spreader beam, is reported to be worth approx. £120k.

RSS supplied the equipment to VolkerBrooks (formerly Humby and Brooks), part of VolkerStevin, which is one half of the VSBW joint venture with Boskalis Westminster, responsible for delivery of the marine structures and bridge contract for the landmark development.

With a contract value of £115m, the construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths, including quay walls and land reclamation; a new marina pier; the marina curve; navigation channel and new lock gates; bascule bridge and capital dredging work. VSBW recently prepared the harbour for piling and land reclamation work.

Upon completion, DWDR will give Dover a transformed waterfront with a new marina pier and curve to attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with the unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle. A new cargo terminal and distribution centre will support the relocation and further development of Dover’s cargo business. The DWDR project will also create greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic and employment opportunities.

Steve Hutin, managing director at RSS, said: “The order is another example of us meeting the demands of a major project by combining our in-house manufactured wire rope slings with other below-the-hook equipment sourced from the industry’s leading suppliers. We relish the opportunity to deliver such scale to the port and its principal contractor [VSBW].”

RSS is a preferred supplier of VolkerBrooks and honours a myriad of product and service commitments nationally. Personnel are already familiar with the worksite having conducted six-monthly Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) tests as part of a larger service-related contract with the company across 26 live sites.

However, the DWDR contract was won via a competitive tender given the quantities of equipment required, Hutin explained, including lever hoists, fibre slings, chain blocks, man baskets, shackles, and more. The highest capacity piece of equipment was the MOD 70H spreader beam from Modulift, which can lift up to 100t at 8.5m / 28 ft.

Hutin concluded: “In addition to our existing partnership with VolkerBrooks, we hope to forge an equally strong bond with the VSBW joint venture as they look to complete a project that will create a true legacy for Dover and the surrounding area. It’s exciting that our lifting gear will be pivotal to this national success story.”