Situation
Our partner FirstPort called upon BASSE after a mooring post had collapsed in the River Thames. Built in the 1980’s, the wooden post was one of ten attached to utility services along the waterfront.
Almost immediately after the post had collapsed, a neighbouring boat had begun to tilt out of the water. And though the owner tied the vessel to a wall along the river, this was only a short term and relatively rocky fix.
To ensure the failing post wouldn’t result in any further boating or potential utilities damage, FirstPort hastily turned to BASSE to examine the site, and implement a long term solution.
Task
When BASSE received the call, our maintenance engineer visited the Thames to make the initial assessment. To make the site safe, we turned our attention to finding the isolation points for the water and power. Once all risks were removed, we began our investigation.
It quickly became clear that the post had rotted away below the water level. Due to the rot, it was only secured at one point.
Our engineer also found that the water supply point had been incorrectly installed, meaning that it was possible for leaks to transpire without any revealing signs on the tow-path.
A new mooring post had to be ordered and positioned, and the boat was made as secure as possible in the interim. But what seemed simple was made complicated by the placement of the post; to perform a full replacement, our engineer needed to be on or in the water.
Having assessed the risks and requirements of the task, it was determined that a replacement could be achieved by entering the Thames and working from a platform secured to the river’s side. To ensure time in the water was limited, and that suitable protection could be given if any issues were to arise, the solution called for a two-man-job.
Action
When the replacement mooring post had arrived, it was prepared and treated on land to reduce time spent in the water.
One engineer dressed in waders and entered the water, whilst the other remained on land. Together, they lowered the post into place and ensured it was fixed securely. Once the installation was complete, the utilities were reinstalled – alongside a new tap and clipping on the pipework.
Additionally, our engineers checked and tightened all of the other water supply outlets on the other mooring posts to ensure there weren’t any sneaky leaks that could cause further damage.
Observations
Some years before the collapse of the mooring post, BASSE were asked to provide a quote for the replacement of the wooden posts with a modern composite alternative. Though the client didn’t initially opt for the renewal, this could have prevented the damage from occurring.
For prevention, it’s important to:
- Practise routine maintenance, to nip any failures in the bud before they occur.
- Avoid cheap and poor installations that could likely cost more in the long term.
Moreover, in complex environments, it’s vital to double safety measures and adopt an adaptive approach – a rule that BASSE engineers always embrace.
Results
Only four days after the replacement mooring post was ordered, our quick-thinking and reliable team had;
If left, it could have tilted other neighbouring boats, disrupted utility services or resulted in a hazard. However, our repair ensures that the site won’t be vulnerable to any further immediate issues.
