The Port Free Zone suited for ro-ro vessels

07.10.2004

The Port of Gdansk development strategy aims at the shaping of port's universal character. This entails not only the construction of new terminals (such as a container terminal by DCT Gdansk SA), but also the modernisation and adjustment of the inner port grounds to comply with new cargo handling technologies. An example of such action comprises the upgrading work currently carried out on the WOC II quay.

The work is under way on a 303-meter long section of the quay and its purpose comprises making it available for the handling of ro-ro vessels. A projected depth at the quay amounts to 9 meters, with the investment also to entail the strengthening of the bed. Additionally, it provides for the construction of a ramp head of reinforced concrete, as well as provision of a steel-made structure of mobile ramp designated for the handling of ro-ro vessels.

The work commenced in November 2003 and will take until the close of this year, some trim work possibly to be shifted on to the early part of 2005. Postponed was the previously determined deadline for the completion of investment that was due in September this year. With a view to cutting the costs, a concept had been adopted to use the existing quay structure - i.e. so-called slab and piles, as well as to provide a new sheet piling (parallel to the existing worn-out sheet piling) with an exit towards the port canal. Implementing such work demanded the development of concepts and expertise by such institutions as the Faculty of Maritime Construction at the Gdansk University of Technology in order to ensure the improved tightness and to strengthen the structure of front sheet piling. Applied had been so-called jet grouting technology coupled with the method of underwater injection of concrete. All these factors caused the delay, however, the workforce are now making an effort to catch up with the schedule. The general contractor that had been selected by way of a tender is the "Doraco" Construction Corporation.

Furthermore, it is worth to mention that the region of WOC and the Wladyslawa IV Basin is of major importance in terms of general cargo vessels - berthing there are car carriers and cold storage vessels, thus, the enhancing of this area with a quay capable of the handling of ro-ro vessels shall prove of great advantage.