Engineering summary

The proposed new deep water facility forms an extension to Avonmouth Dock, and will be constructed partly on previously developed land – a former oil terminal and oil tanker jetty - and partly on reclaimed land.

The construction process for design and build of the quay and terminal area, and associated works, is expected to take up to 4 years. The scale of the project is dictated by the aim of accommodating ultra large container ships (ULCS) when they come into service. ULCS are 400m long with up to 16m draught and a 14,000 TEU capacity - or about 10,000 containers.

The construction phase will involve:

• Tidal works including capital dredging of the Severn Estuary approach channel, creation of a vessel turning area, construction of a 1.2km operational quay wall, land reclamation, demolition of the disused oil tanker jetty and the building of a 600m breakwater
• landside development of a container handling, transhipment and storage area, construction of a rail terminal and links to the Port’s road system, and erection of container handling equipment and offices, workshops and warehouses

Apart from capital dredging and disposal, no off-site engineering works are anticipated.  Further details can be found in Construction and Dredging & disposal.