The facility will consist of a 15m by 85m jetty, two mooring dolphins and two small vessel pontoons and will provide off-shore docking and loading facilities for the Type 45 frigates, which were confirmed as a key component in future defence strategy in the government's recent defence review.

VolkerStevin and Volker Construction International are currently working with Halcrow and the MOD on the design phase of the project, which will be built off-shore from Portsmouth's Upper Harbour. We have adapted our construction methods and programme to take account of the sensitive nature and constraints of the environment in which we are working and are utilising the Dina M crane barge supplemented by purpose built support barges for the installation of the piles, precast beams and slab units and other materials handling during the construction phase. Everything will be taken to site by waterborne means and this includes maximising the use of pre-fabrication and pre-cast methods of construction to minimise the movements required. 

The team will liaise closely with the Harbour Master, the MOD, the ferry operators, the adjacent marina and other port users to ensure that the works do not interfere with the day to day running of the port.

Once the new pontoon has been constructed and the crane and accommodation facilities successfully commissioned the existing munitions handling facility will be demolished as part of this contract.