Work Starts on New Seawall in Dover

A vital connection is underway to link the historic and new marina facilities together as work continues for the delivery of a new waterfront for Dover.

Removal of part of the old 19 Century seawall has begun in order to make way for the new Wellington Navigation Channel as part of the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

According to VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, this is a key step in the marine civil engineering works for the project, as it will open up a new navigational route for all pleasure vessels entering or leaving the Wellington Dock from the forthcoming new marina.

The removal of the old seawall is a necessary first step before piling work starts at the Wellington Dock, connecting the old facility to the the new Western Docks.

Jack Goodhew, General manager – special projects, Port of Dover, said: “Connectivity is an important part of DWDR, linking old and new parts of the waterfront and the wider Port estate, such as the historic Cruise Terminal 1, to create a new destination for Dover that our community and visitors alike can explore.”

Earlier this spring, Archaeology South East monitored the partial excavation of the remaining old seawall. Very little is known on the actual construction of the seawall from archives; however it has been estimated from Archaeology South East that it would have been built around 1860 before being covered by a new seawall and promenade in the 1960’s.

Following the removal of the old sea wall, the installation of a sheet pile cofferdam will start, which is required to allow the construction of reinforced concrete walls and the base of the cut. The sheet piles will be installed using large specialist equipment.

Stuart Eckersley, project director for VSBW, said: “We have given special consideration to the local environment by bringing the sheet pile delivery directly into the port via barges to minimize the impact on the surrounding roads and community.”

The new Wellington Navigation Channel will also include the construction of a new bascule bridge and a pedestrian footpath behind the original seawall, connecting the new marina curve and marina to the seafront esplanade, enabling further connectivity on the waterfront.