Renfrew Ferry

Background:

This landmark ferry had been left semi-submerged in the River Clyde for decades. The regeneration of the area meant it had to be dismantled and removed from the quayside.

Challenges:

• The programme of works would be dependent upon tidal levels
• To comply with strict regulations from the Clyde Port Authority no debris could remain in the water.

Solutions:

The work was planned out in detail well in advance to take the greatest advantage of low and high tides.

1. An exclusion zone was created both land and water side.
2. A barge was commissioned to support the 54T excavator on the water.
3. The legs of the barge were winched down to the riverbed to stabilise the working platform.
4. Oxyacetylene equipment was used to dismantle accessible areas of the barge prior to removal by machine.
5. Cranes and man baskets were used to access areas of the barge above the waterline.
6. The ferry was dismantled utilising a tracked excavator and hydraulic shear attachment, working at times below the water line, to remove parts of the barge submerged by silt.

The ferry was completely dismantled and all debris was successfully removed from the river.