Development Projects
Development Proposals at the Port of Southampton
Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton is proposing to undertake two capital projects to ensure that the Port of Southampton remains competitive and successful as a major port into the future. These are:
- Reconstruction and deepening of berths 201 and 202 in the Western Docks for use by container vessels; and
- Dredging of the main navigational approach channel.
Reconstruction of Berths 201 and 202
This proposal is to re-engineer and deepen berths 201 and 202 in the Western Docks to enable the Port to accommodate the current generation of large container vessels at their loaded draught. The berths were the UK's first container berths but in recent years have been too shallow to accommodate modern ships. This proposal will involve:
- The reconstruction of the quay wall between 3 and 5m seaward of the existing alignment to enable the berth pocket to be dredged;
- Deepening the dredged pockets of berths 201 and 202 from present depths of 10.2 and 12.2m below Chart Datum respectively to 16m below Chart Datum; and
- The disposal of the dredge arisings (estimated at 185,000m³) at the Nab Tower Disposal Ground, unless a beneficial use can be found.
Please Cick Here to view a diagram showing the extent of the Proposed Works at 201 / 202 berths
The increase in the length of container ships has meant that the current deep-sea berths at the container terminal (Berths 204 to 207) can no longer accommodate four large vessels simultaneously. This has increased the number and severity of ship berthing delays. By combining berths 201 and 202 to provide approximately 500m of quay with 16m of water depth alongside, the effective capacity of Southampton’s container terminal will be restored to accommodate four large vessels.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is publicly consulting on the proposals between 12 January and 23 February 2012. A copy of the application, Environmental Statement and further information submitted by ABP to the MMO is available by inspection throughout this period during normal office hours at Southampton Central Library, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LW or at ABP offices, Ocean Gate, Atlantic Way, Southampton, SO14 3QN. Representations in respect of the consultation documents should be made in writing by 23 February 2012, quoting reference DC8590 and DC8591 to the Marine Management Organisation, Marine Licensing Team, Lancaster House, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle, NE99 5BN. The MMO will pass a copy of any objection or representation they receive to ABP.
The proposal has been the subject of an extensive environmental impact assessment, which is summarised in an Environment Statement. The Environmental Statement chapters may be accessed by clinking on the links below.[Please be aware that some of these files are large documents and may take a while to download. You will need Adobe Acrobat to read these documents.]
Project Description and Construction Methodology
Consents and Approvals - the Legislative Framework
Nature Conservation Designations
Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment
Marine and Coastal Ornithology
Commercial and Recreational Navigation
Construction Noise and Vibration
Cumulative and In-combination Effects
Summary of Impacts and Mitigation
Regulation 14 - Further Information
Appendix A - Scoping and Consultation
Appendix B - Dredge Material Characterisation
Appendix C - Hydrodynamic and Sediment Processes
Appendix D - Appropriate Assessment Signposting Document
Appendix E - Nature Conservation Designations
Appendix F- Benthic Survey Methodologies
Appendix G - Benthic Invertebrate Data
Appendix I - Construction Noise and Vibration Assessment
Appendix J - Operational Noise Impact Assessment (Supporting Information)
Appendix K - Marine Conservation Zone Assessment
Appendix L - Water Framework Directive Assessment
Appendix M - Transport Assessment
Appendix N - Landscape and Visual: Landscape Figures and Photomontages Part 1
Appendix N - Landscape and Visual: Landscape Figures and Photomontages Part 2
Appendix N - Landscape and Visual: Landscape Figures and Photomontages Part 3
Appendix N - Landscape and Visual: Landscape Figures and Photomontages Part 4
Appendix N - Landscape and Visual: Landscape Figures and Photomontages Part 5
Appendix N - Landscape and Visual: Landscape Figures and Photomontages Part 6
Appendix O - Landscape and Visual Background Information
Appendix P - Air Quality Background Information
Southampton Approach Channel Dredge
This proposal, which is referred to as the Southampton Approach Channel Dredge (SACD), involves selective deepening and widening of the navigation channel at various locations within Southampton Water and the Solent and comprises two elements:
- The deepening and widening of the main navigational approach channel to the Port of Southampton; and
- The disposal of the estimated 11.6 million m³ of dredged material at the Nab Tower Disposal Ground, to the east of the Isle of Wight, unless a beneficial use can be identified.
A deepened and widened channel will provide a number of benefits including:-
- Improvement of the tidal access window for deeper draughted vessels;
- Reduction in congestion in the approaches to the Port;
- Increased ability for vessels to pass in the channel;
- Ability to handle larger vessels at the Port; and
- Enhancement of navigational safety.
Please Click Here to view a diagram showing the extent of Dredge Proposal
This application was submitted to the MMO in December 2008 accompanied by and Environmental Statement. ABP is awaiting approval of this application from the MMO. Until consent is received it is not possible to determine a start date for dredging.
For further information, please contact the Development Office on 023 8048 8800 or write to Associated British Ports, Ocean Gate, Atlantic Way, Southampton, SO14 3QN.