Port of Rosyth plays major role in bridge construction as it handles largest ever vessel
The Port of Rosyth, owned by Forth Ports, is playing a major role in the construction process of the new £1.4billion Firth of Forth road bridge – the Queensferry Crossing – which is set to leave a legacy securing the long term future of the port, the company said in its press release.
With the arrival of 36 x 270 - 350 tonne large steel deck sections today (14 August) aboard the specialist heavy load ship, the ZPMC Zhen Hua 24, Forth Port’s marine and heavy load handling experience came into their own as Rosyth welcomed the largest ship ever to visit the port.
Since 2011, the Fife port has been the marine hub for the construction project which has seen the port transformed with significant investment in works to: strengthen the quayside storage areas at North Wall to accommodate heavy loads; install a new security gate and road network; provide offices for the project’s marine team and bespoke warehousing for storage and steel preparation.
Commenting on the legacy for the Port of Rosyth, Charles Hammond, Forth Ports’ Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled to be playing our part in this significant construction project and our key location close to the construction site ensures that materials, including the steel delivered last week, are only a matter of minutes away by water delivery. The Forth Ports team did a great job with the ZPMC Zhen Hua 24 which is one of the largest specialist vessels we have welcomed to our port and a milestone for the construction team.
“The significant investment by Forth Ports and the FCBC project team in strengthening the quayside storage areas at North Wall; security systems; and warehousing at the port; as well as the new improved roads infrastructure that the opening of the new bridge will bring, will position Rosyth as a key location for specialist project work, heavy lift operations and will make the port very attractive to the North Sea oil & gas sector.”
Commenting on the role of the Port of Rosyth, Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP said: “We have always been clear about the benefits from the Forth Replacement Crossing project for the Scottish economy and Scottish businesses. This investment is via FCBC an excellent example of where the project is leaving a lasting legacy for the Port of Rosyth.”
Commenting, Carlo Germani, FCBC Project Director, said: “From the 2011 start of construction works on the Queensferry Crossing, we have had a close working relationship with Forth Ports. Their help and co-operation with our complex operations both on the water and in Rosyth Docks has been invaluable. It will remain so until the completion of the new bridge in 2016. We are delighted that our investment in improving the dockside facilities will be to the lasting benefit of Forth Ports.”
The ZPMC Zhen Hua 24 arrived into the River Forth this week. The highly skilled marine team ensured the safe passage of the 81,000 DWT, 40m wide ship through the busy shipping lanes in the Forth, under the existing bridges and manoeuvred her alongside at the port. The experienced Forth Ports quayside team supported with the handling of the oversized cargo from the ship.
Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) chose the Port of Rosyth as their marine hub for transporting materials and equipment between the Port and build site. FCBC have taken around 20 acres of land, offices and warehouses within the port. Preparatory work began in October 2011 in the Forth and the project is expected to be completed and the bridge opened to traffic by March 2016.