When: June 2026
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STUDIO BOUM came to Livett’s with a challenge: how to transport 1,000 VIP guests to a Hermès summer party at the Hurlingham Club by river, when the existing Hurlingham Yacht Club Pier simply wasn’t built for that level of footfall or the size of vessels required.
We provided the expert marine civil engineering, navigation of the permissions process and on-the-day coordination behind a bespoke temporary pier pontoon, giving the event the capacity it needed to run safely and smoothly on the water.
To solve the capacity problem, Livett’s teamed up with VolkerMarine Services to deliver a bespoke 54m x 7.5m temporary steel pier pontoon. This was purpose-built to handle significantly higher passenger numbers and larger vessels than the existing pier could support.
The pontoon was built using VolkerMarine Services’ Linkflote pontoon system, with sectional units connected together to form a pier of the exact scale needed, then just as easily derigged once the event was over – the ideal solution for a structure that still had to handle serious passenger volumes safely.
Before construction could begin, Livett’s applied for and successfully obtained the PLA Temporary River Works Licence – an extensive process, and no small undertaking for a project of this scale. Securing this licence was a critical step in making the whole project possible.
From there, we provided the marine logistics to build, install, monitor and derig the pontoon. Thames Bosun was used to tow the structure into position, while Scheldemond I handled lifting the spuds to secure it firmly at the Broomhouse Dock site.
On the day of the event itself, Livett’s provided experienced crew and marine coordination to ensure the safe movement of passengers across the pier, with the team acting as round-the-clock marine consultants throughout the project.
The result was a smooth, safe operation that allowed 1,000 VIPs to reach the Hermès summer party by river, with a delighted client and a temporary pier pontoon that performed exactly as intended from build through to derig.
Ed Livett, Managing Director of Livett’s, said: “This was a great example of Livett’s stepping in to solve a real logistical problem, rather than just providing a boat. The existing pier was never going to cope with 1,000 guests, so we had to design, permit and build a solution that could.
“Getting the PLA licence in place for a temporary structure of this scale isn’t straightforward, and that’s exactly where our experience made the difference. From build to derig, we were there every step of the way, and it was brilliant to see it all come together so smoothly on the day.”
Whatever you are planning on the River Thames or beyond, we’re here to help you.
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