Transport for London are wishing to build a tunnel under the Thames linking Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in east London. When opened it is expected to help reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and allow for better public transport links, including more cross-river bus journeys.
The project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and the DCO was granted in 2018.
As part of the construction works, it is intended to use Thames Wharf for the marine logistics and transportation for the project duration.
Challenge
The existing wharf infrastructure and the adjacent berth area requires upgrading to ensure barges can be loaded/unloaded safely and removed at appropriate stages of the tide to meet the needs of the construction schedule.
RiverLinx consortium were appointed Contractor in 2019 and commissioned NASH Maritime to undertake a Navigation Risk Assessment (NRA) for the marine operations at Thames Wharf as part of the DCO planning conditions and enable marine construction works to commence.
Solution
The relevant activities for consideration on the NRA were focussed on the construction phase of the project and considered in two key phases:
- Phase 1: Enabling works at Thames Wharf.
- Phase 2: Marine logistics associated with the project during construction.
The assessment was undertaken in accordance with the IMO FSA methodology and in close consultation with the Port of London Authority (PLA) as the statutory harbour authority.
The NRA was submitted with other documents by the developer and main constructing activity began in 2020 ahead of tunnelling work which is expected to begin during summer 2022.
The planned opening of the new tunnel is scheduled in 2025.
