Case Study 1: UXO Pile Position Clearance at Major UK Port
BACTEC was called in by a major civil engineering contractor building a new pier extension at one of the UK’s busiest ports.
The brief?
To safely clear multiple pile positions of any potential unexploded ordnance (UXO) risks – underwater!
With tidal movement, tight working spaces, and a variable seabed, this was never going to be a straightforward job. But that’s exactly the kind of challenge we thrive on.
Our Approach
To get the job done safely and efficiently, we mobilised our platform rig and set it to work on a floating barge, drilling down through a moon pool directly above each pile location.
The real magic was in the rig’s flexibility. By mounting it on an excavator arm, we could reach even the most awkward, hard-to-access positions.
Stability was maintained with seabed-anchored tubes, allowing our team to carry out precise UXO clearance with minimal disruption to the marine environment.
What Made It Work
- Adaptability in action: our platform rig worked flawlessly from both the barge and excavator, adapting to the marine setting with ease.
- Smart access: the moon pool allowed us to drill safely and directly through the centre of the barge, staying perfectly on target.
- Stability at sea: the stabilising tubes held firm on the seabed, letting our drillers maintain pinpoint control despite challenging (understatement!) conditions.
- Speed & experience: with modular kit and a seasoned crew, we got up and running fast, helping to keep the client’s project moving without delay.
The Results Speak for Themselves…
We cleared all pile locations on time and to spec, de-risking the site so construction could proceed with confidence. The job showcased our marine UXO clearance capabilities and the versatility of our kit. And it confirmed, once again, that we’re at our best when things get tricky.
Why BACTEC?
We’re not just ticking boxes - we’re solving problems. Whether it’s on land, underwater, or in the grey area in between, BACTEC brings the kit, the people, and the know-how to tackle UXO risk wherever it hides. We are the solution bringers.