Bachy Soletanche provides the complete package of geotechnical solutions for the maritime sector, including off-shore, near-shore and inland waterways projects. We design and deliver all types of marine construction schemes, such as ferry terminals, over-water bridges, wind farms and port infrastructure.
Marine projects require a trusted and experienced contractor who understands the complexities of marine geology and can develop solutions for unpredictable strata, tidal environments and variable sea-states.
Marine Sector
The maritime sector generates a vital source of income for the UK economy. Sufficient investment in resilient maritime infrastructure is essential to meet the demands of our rapidly evolving country, mitigate the impact of climate change and accommodate the continuous growth in global trade and travel.
Marine construction projects are often multifaceted and technically challenging schemes. They require a trusted and experienced contractor who understands the complexities of marine geology and can develop solutions for unpredictable strata, tidal environments and variable sea-states.
Bachy Soletanche can deliver in the most challenging of marine conditions. Our experience extends across a range of high-profile projects, including the Port of Southampton, Isle of Man Ferry Terminal, Thames Tideway Tunnel, Wood Wharf and Rosyth Dock Yard.
Bachy Soletanche’s success in these environments is reinforced with our long-standing and established network of reliable supply chain partners who enable us to facilitate a smooth-running programme. We understand that marine projects are often highly regulated due to their environmentally sensitive nature and require substantial stakeholder engagement to acquire the necessary consent. We work with our clients to understand these requirements, cultivating creative solutions to prevent harm to marine life and minimise disruption to scheduled trade and travel operations.
Bachy Soletanche has a comprehensive package of geotechnical solutions at its disposal to suit the nuances of marine construction projects, including those that are suited for variable ground conditions, as well as those that offer reduced noise and vibration.
As well as being experts in marine piling, we offer a range of techniques to support marine construction projects including land-based mini piling, continuous flight auger and large diameter piling (CFA and LDA), secant piled cofferdams, ground anchors and grouting. We also provide unexploded ordnance probing and obstruction removal.
ForSHORE operates in over 60 countries through Soletanche Bachy and the Group’s International Major Projects Division, providing expertise in port infrastructure construction and repair. Specialising in tackling complex geotechnical challenges, ForSHORE serves as a general contractor, managing all four stages of port infrastructure development. Our mission is to connect regions worldwide by building modern, efficient port hubs and enabling global maritime connectivity. Find out more by watching our short video and reading the Maritime Works brochure.
Case Studies
Water Street Bridge, Canary Wharf
Water Street Bridge provides a road and pedestrian link between the new Wood Wharf development and Montgomery Square, with the installation of marine piles and mini-piles to provide support for construction of the deck and bridge structure. The team operated within a restricted excavation period (1am to 4am) to comply with London Underground regulations.
Great Yarmouth Port, North Terminal
This development will see the port used for the storage and handling of wind turbine equipment at the Outer Harbour. The enhancement of the port infrastructure is part of multi-million pound investment for the Galloper Wind Farm and East Anglia ONE Wind Farm projects. Bachy Soletanche were contracted to undertake the foundation work for a heavy lifting pad.
Emirates Airline Cable Car, London
Britain’s first cable car links two of the biggest entertainment and exhibition venues in Europe, the O2 and ExCeL. Built in time for the 2012 London Olympics, Bachy Soletanche, in Joint Venture with Red7Marine, carried out the piling. The team installed Large Diameter Rotary bored piling at five locations; the South Station and Compression Tower, South Tower, North Tower, North Intermediate Tower and North Station.
Port 2000, France
Europe’s largest maritime project since 1970, transforms the port into a major European logistics hub, accommodating the latest container ships and expanding capacity to 6 million TEU. The project was divided into four phases. Port 2000 ensures a lasting economic impact and facilitates container shipping in Northern Europe.
Rosyth Dock Yard, Fife
To facilitate the remodelling of an existing dock entrance, Bachy Soletanche were awarded a contract to design and construct a temporary hard/firm secant pile retaining wall. Ground anchors were also installed through the existing mass concrete gravity retaining wall to ensure its stability.
Buenaventura Port
The port on Buenaventura Bay is a pivotal hub for container, bulk, and general cargo, facilitating trade on major sea routes. It’s tailored for Super Post-Panamax vessels, boasting the country’s largest STS container cranes. Comprehensive geotechnical investigations during design development led to 85% of excavated material being reused through soil improvement techniques.
