Kimberley Ports Authority
Ports & Marine
- Remediation of existing
- Extension of useable life
- Adaptive reuse
- Marine durability
- Scheduling of works
- Tidal variations
Pritchard Francis was appointed to the Service Agreement for Broome Port Authority Engineering and Technical Services at the beginning of 2012. Since this time, the firm has provided a range of engineering technical services in all aspects of structural, civil and lead consulting services to Kimberley Ports Authority on a wide range of projects.
The Entrance Point Boat Ramp refurbishment project was funded jointly by the Broome Port Authority and a Department of Transport Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme grant. Pritchard Francis initially prepared a condition assessment and cost estimate for the repair of the ramp which was used to secure the project funding. Following this, the firm prepared the detailed design, specification and undertook the tender assessment, site superintendence and inspections during the construction phase. The project was designed and constructed with careful consideration of the 10m tidal variation and the works were appropriately documented to deal with the uncertainties and necessary contingencies associated with refurbishing an existing maritime asset and appropriate detailing for durability.
Pritchard Francis was engaged to prepare a condition assessment on the existing Lumpers Mess structure, which consisted of a derelict 40 year old workers facility on the Broome wharf. This report considered the current condition and remediation options to repair this area to enable reuse. Following this report, the firm design and documented a smaller replacement structure to house necessary equipment and the remainder was transformed into a laydown storage area and an area to relocate transportable stevedore amenity buildings. Pritchard Francis worked closely with the client and contractor during the construction of the works to ensure a successful project for both parties. The replacement structure was carefully detailed to simplify the construction over water and with due consideration of the durability requirements as the structure is located over the ocean. Some elements of the existing structure were reused in the completed structure after new corrosion treatment was applied and elements were assembled onshore and craned into position to minimize operational disruptions.
The Pritchard Francis team has undertaken a range of other projects including documentation of new and replacement staircases and landings throughout the Port, review of existing underdeck access trolleys and vessel access gangways, and improvements to the safety of users of the Port through various projects.