Work has started on a state-of-the-art Marine Control Centre at ABP’s Port of Grimsby.
The new facility, which will be arranged over four floors and will cost £5 million to build, will replace the existing Vessel Traffic Services centre at Spurn Point, which has become increasingly difficult to access by land because of the progressive deterioration of the peninsula.
Scunthorpe-based construction and civil engineering firm Britcon has been appointed as ABP’s main contractor. Work began at the end of August and is expected to last nine months, with the steel frame and pre-cast stairs being erected during October and November.
The building will be located on the port estate at Grimsby between the Fish Dock and Royal Dock overlooking the lower Humber and will provide capacity for ABP Humber’s marine department, including Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and pilotage operations. The build will also involve an upgrade of IT and VTS equipment, as well as radar systems.
The project will also incorporate a number of environmental measures, including rain water recycling, motion sensors on LED lighting and solar panels and ground heat exchangers. Over its lifespan the new building will deliver an estimated carbon saving of 3725 tonnes.
In addition, a new VTS training centre will also be established at the port so ABP can provide initial and refresher training to internationally recognised standards for staff from across the group and, potentially, to the wider marine community.