London Gateway Port: Rope Access Coating of Berthing Fenders
Specialist Painting Group supported Trelleborg Marine Systems with the application of Chemco International’s protective coating system at DP World’s London Gateway Port. Using rope access, SPG applied coatings to the port’s berthing fenders to protect them against the harsh marine environment. The maintenance project began in 2018 and has been completed.
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The Challenge at London Gateway Port
Berthing fenders absorb the energy of vessels coming alongside, protecting both the ships and the quay. They sit in a demanding marine environment, exposed to salt water, weather and repeated impact, so their protective coatings play an important part in keeping them in service.
Fenders on a working quay are also difficult to reach. Scaffolding or large access platforms can be slow to install and may interfere with port operations.
Rope Access at London Gateway Port
SPG used rope access techniques to reach the berthing fenders. Rope access allows trained technicians to work safely at height and over water with minimal equipment, which reduces set up time and keeps the footprint of the work small on an operational quay.
The team combined IRATA Level 1 certified rope access technicians with ICATS approved applicators, so the people on the ropes had both the access competence and the coatings skills the job demanded. Learn more about our rope access service.
Applying the Chemco Protective Coating System
Working with Trelleborg Marine Systems, SPG applied Chemco International’s protective coating system to the fenders, enhancing the durability and performance of the port’s infrastructure. Applying a manufacturer’s system correctly, in line with its data sheets, is essential for it to perform in marine conditions. Find out more about our protective coatings services.
Protecting Port and Marine Infrastructure
Ports rely on fenders, piles, jetties and cranes that all face aggressive marine corrosion. Planned coating maintenance keeps these assets working and helps avoid costly unplanned downtime. Industry bodies such as the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association set the standards for safe rope access on structures like these.
Planning a Coating Project
Every successful coating project starts with understanding the condition of the existing coating and the steel beneath it. A survey identifies where the coating has failed, how far corrosion has progressed and whether the old system can be overcoated or needs to be removed completely. That information shapes the choice of surface preparation method and the new coating specification.
SPG supports asset owners through each of these stages, from coating inspection and specification advice through to preparation and application. Projects such as London Gateway Port show how the right plan, agreed at the outset, keeps work safe, efficient and on programme.
Choosing the Right Surface Preparation Method
No single surface preparation method suits every job. Abrasive blasting, UHP water jetting, mechanical preparation, CO2 blasting and RPR heat induction each have strengths depending on the substrate, the coating being removed and the environment around the work. On the London Gateway Port fenders, the method was chosen to suit the structure and its setting. Assessing these factors early helps avoid delays and reduces risk once work begins. Where larger areas need preparing, our abrasive blast cleaning team can help.
Safety at Height and Over Water
Every rope access job is planned with rescue arrangements, exclusion zones and weather limits agreed before work starts.
Why Choose SPG
Specialist Painting Group has delivered industrial coating projects since 1997. Our operatives are ICATS certified, and we hold RISQS, SafeContractor, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 accreditations, giving clients the competence, safety management and quality systems they expect from a specialist contractor.
From ports and harbours to rail and utilities, explore the sectors we work in, or contact us to discuss your port or marine assets.
