As a result of a vessel collision resulting in extensive damage to Kerrera ferry slipway berthing structure, Sound of Kerrera, mariners were advised it was closed for berthing by any unauthorised vessels until further notice to prevent further damage to the structure or to vessels.
George Leslie were called upon to make a return visit to the Sound of Kerrera off Oban, to undertake substantial repairs to the breakwater which suffered collision damage following an altercation with a workboat earlier this year.
The work involves removal of the damaged outer cell and the installation of replacement sheet piling, tie rods, infill and precast concrete deck slabs with GL’s 70t crawler crane on the barge to undertake the piling and heavy lifts.
The original construction works which encompassed the new breakwater and extensions to the slipways on both Kerrera and Gallanach were undertaken by GL in 2016 and improved the reliability of the lifeline ferry service across the full tidal range. The new breakwater also assists berthing on Kerrera, providing some protection during the prevailing south-westerlies.