Esh Construction has been awarded a £7.3m scheme to complete the fit-out of the recently expanded Ash Barge Dock at Northumberland Energy Park.
Northumberland Energy Park (NEP) stands as the leading offshore energy hub, situated in proximity to the Port of Blyth. This facility is a component of Energy Central, a distinctive UK port-based service, investment, and expansion cluster catering to enterprises in the offshore energy and subsea sectors.
The project, undertaken for Advance Northumberland, involves building a 3,000m² piled concrete relieving slab behind the west and north quay walls at ground level. Upon completion, the berth will support a safe working load of 5,300kN, rendering the dock operational for importing and exporting components and finished goods.
Esh Construction’s Divisional Director, Steven Garrigan, said: “The contract marks the start of a new relationship with Advance Northumberland, and we’re delighted to be bringing our expertise to this project which forms part of the wider Phase 1 enabling works plan to provide an extended and deep-water berth at the Ash Barge Dock.”
The project, undertaken by Esh’s civil engineering division, involves pouring over 7,000m³ of concrete, which is the equivalent of 2.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools, to substitute the sand and stone. Additionally, 183 lengthy tubular piles will be installed to underpin the reinforced concrete slab.
Around 9,000 sq m of concrete paving are set to be installed, along with new drainage systems to manage surface water runoff. Additionally, the current mooring bollards will be enhanced to support loads of up to 100 tonnes.
Neil Jukes, Head of Project Management at Advance Northumberland, said: “We are very pleased to get North East based contractor Esh Construction on board. This is the final stage of construction works at the NEP1 Dock after which time the facility can be prepared for final operation and be brought into use in 2025.
“It will serve the both the JDR Cables facility and wider Energy Park and contribute to the ongoing regeneration and job creation within the Energy Central cluster.”