Project Overview

TILT Engineering & Design was appointed to undertake a comprehensive engineering condition assessment of two operational dry docks as part of a wider redevelopment project.

The objective was to provide an independent assessment of the docks' current condition, identify structural defects, review operational and safety considerations, and help inform future investment and redevelopment decisions during the early stages of project planning.

The Challenge

As part of a proposed building upgrade adjacent to the dry docks, the client needed to understand whether the existing dock infrastructure remained suitable for continued operation and future redevelopment.

The review needed to balance structural condition, operational requirements, health and safety, environmental considerations and long-term maintenance without undertaking intrusive investigations or detailed structural calculations at this stage.

Our Approach

TILT undertook a detailed visual inspection of both dry docks, supported by a review of historic drawings, drainage layouts and existing asset information.

The assessment included:

• Structural condition assessment

• Identification of defects, corrosion and deterioration

• Review of operational layout and functionality

• Inspection of access arrangements and safety equipment

• Environmental and drainage review

• Lifecycle and maintenance planning

• Strategic recommendations for future investment

All findings were supported by photographic records and prioritised engineering recommendations.

Services Provided

✔ Marine structural inspection

✔ Dry Dock Inspections

✔ Structural Condition Assessment

✔ Operational Review

✔ Asset management advice

✔ Health & Safety Review

✔ Lifecycle Planning

✔ Strategic Engineering Advice

The inspection concluded that, despite its age, the dry dock remained fundamentally suitable for its current operational use.

A number of localised defects were identified, including cracking, concrete deterioration and water ingress, requiring monitoring and planned maintenance rather than immediate replacement.

TILT developed a prioritised programme of recommendations covering:

Immediate maintenance priorities

Repairs required to maintain safe operation and prevent accelerated deterioration.

Medium-term asset management

Monitoring regimes and planned maintenance to maximise the remaining service life.

Future redevelopment

Recommendations for further structural assessment should future operational requirements or increased loading be proposed.

The final report provided the client with a clear understanding of the condition of the asset and a practical roadmap for future investment decisions.

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Whether you're responsible for a quay wall, jetty, pontoon or coastal defence structure, our Chartered Engineers can provide clear, practical advice to help you understand your asset's condition and plan future maintenance with confidence.