Bennett’s Barges is delighted to provide an update on eight new barges currently in construction which will soon provide significant additional tonnage to the River Thames.
As part of our work on the Thames Tideway Tunnel, Bennett’s have been contracted to remove spoil from the Carnwath Road Riverside work site at Wandsworth Bridge. This is a significant project requiring specialised barges.
To ensure the work goes ahead as efficiently as possible, we have gone through a lengthy, in-depth procurement process which resulted in Dutch company Baars receiving the contract to build the barges. These are made up of two 1,600t barges, four 1,500t barges and two 1,000t barges.
Bennett’s have been involved throughout the process, influencing the design of the barges to facilitate the safe and efficient transport of spoil using navtugs Christian and Felix who have been procured specifically for the west section of the project.
The west section is being managed and constructed by an equal 3-way joint venture between BAM Nutall, Morgan Sindall and Balfour Beatty.
We’re very pleased to say that the first two 1,5000t barges to be delivered (BN1501 and BN1502) are currently under construction in the Netherlands by a team who have vast experience in the construction of ships and barges.
BN1501 is currently a quarter built and is due to be completed at the end of September, when she will then be undertaking a fit-out and trials in Sliedrecht, Netherlands.
BN1502 will complete construction around mid-to-late-November, with both barges ready to be transported to the River Thames in early December.
The next two 1,500t barges are due to be completed at the end of February, while the two 1,000t barges – which are being constructed in tandem – are due to start construction next week with view to completion in March 2018.
All barges will be licenced by the Port of London Authority (PLA), therefore adding extensive new tonnage to the River Thames.
We’ll keep you updated with the latest developments as the builds progress, so be sure to check back and follow us online for more news.
For more information about Livett’s Group’s marine logistics, tugs and towage services, please visit our dedicated page.
