The project, for which VolkerFitzpatrick was the principal contractor, received Merit Awards in the categories of ‘Physical Achievement’, ‘Technical Excellence’ and ‘Sustainability’. In addition, the project was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Team Achievement’ category.

The project ran for two years and saw the construction of the new 400m-long Berth 3 Container Yard at DP World London Gateway, extending the capacity for handling container ships. Owned and operated by DP World and situated on the north bank of the River Thames on a former oil refinery site, London Gateway Port is the most significant UK port development for 30 years and the UK's first 21^st Century major deep-sea container port.

DP World London Gateway is also the most technically advanced port in the UK and the works incorporated a range of innovative solutions, including state-of-the-art quay cranes, automatic stacking cranes and container tracking systems.

The construction itself was a significant physical achievement, utilising DP World London Gateway’s own team of multi-disciplinary engineers to plan the works and incorporate improvements to the design used for Berths 1 and 2.

Sustainability was another key priority throughout the project and it is estimated that the port and adjacent logistics park will result in a reduction of 65 million HGV miles from UK roads annually; reducing CO₂ emissions and fuel usage.

During the works, 25,000 tonnes of rail ballast and Type 1 base layer material was delivered directly to the site by sea, saving 1,200 road deliveries and over 70 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Iain Robinson, senior commercial manager for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “It’s good to receive this recognition for our part in the successful delivery of this modern port facility. Challenging logistics and outputs were overcome and a high quality project handed over to DP World, allowing follow-on works and the new berth operation to proceed on programme.”

David Lind, senior engineering manager maritime, DP World London Gateway, said: “The completion of this important project was a great effort by all those involved. We are delighted that this effort has been recognised by the ICE in the presentation of these prestigious awards.”

The awards were presented at a ceremony on 27 June, at Girton College, Cambridge.