Client:
McLaughlin & Harvey
McLaughlin & Harvey link opens in a new tab
https://www.mclh.co.uk/
Project Owner:
A major marine civil engineering programme
Construction on the London Gateway Berth 5 project is a major marine and civil engineering programme designed to expand DP World’s deep‑sea container port on the River Thames and significantly increase its handling capacity.
The works centre on the formation of a new deep‑water quay wall extension, enabling the berth to accommodate ultra‑large container vessels.
Key construction activities include extensive marine piling, where large‑diameter steel tubular piles are driven into the riverbed to create the primary structural support for the quay. These operations are carried out using specialist marine plant, floating crane barges and support vessels, with careful sequencing around tidal conditions and navigational safety requirements within an operational port environment.
Beyond the quay wall, the construction works also interface with future landside infrastructure, forming the foundations for high‑capacity, automated container handling systems and associated port services. Given the scale and sensitivity of the location, the project is delivered under strict environmental and operational controls, including limits on piling hours, noise mitigation measures, and continuous monitoring to protect nearby communities, marine life and ongoing port operations.
Once complete, Berth 5 will play a vital role in strengthening the UK’s freight and logistics network, supporting increased trade volumes and reinforcing London Gateway’s position as one of the country’s most advanced and strategically important container ports.
Berth Control
During construction of the London Gateway Berth 5 project, Sixense is providing a comprehensive instrumentation and monitoring service to manage the risks associated with large‑scale marine piling and quay wall construction within a live port environment.
