CASE STUDY
Comprehensive M&E Solutions for Port of Dover Canopy Installation
The Port of Dover required a robust solution to support new EES checks at the Eastern Docks. To facilitate this, a free-standing canopy structure covering six lanes of live car traffic was essential. The structure needed to be designed and installed with minimal foundation impact due to the busy, high-traffic area.
Client: Port of Dover
Main Contractor:
Gen One Construction
Project Duration:
1 Month
Project Budget:
£60K
Key Trades:
EMH Electrical,
M&E Designer
The Port of Dover required a robust solution to support new EES checks at the Eastern Docks. To facilitate this, a free-standing canopy structure covering six lanes of live car traffic was essential. Due to the busy, high-traffic area, the structure needed to be designed and installed with minimal foundation impact.
Client Requirements
The project scope involved designing and installing lighting and electrical containment for data and CCTV cabling. EMH Services was selected to lead the M&E design and installation, providing a comprehensive approach to meet the client’s needs in a constrained and operationally busy environment.
Challenges and Solutions
The primary challenge was installing electrical containment on an aluminium and fabric canopy structure, which presented unique obstacles:
Material Constraints: The canopy's aluminium frame required careful handling to avoid chemical reactions with the stainless-steel containment, necessitating a bespoke approach.
Complex Geometry: The structure's curved shape added a layer of complexity to secure and align the containment.
Operational Sensitivity: The live traffic and port operations meant that EMH Services needed to work outside standard hours to prevent disruption.
EMH Scope of Works
Enabling Works: Set up site power, water, and welfare units to facilitate the workforce.
M&E Design and Consultancy: Worked alongside consultants to devise practical, effective lighting and containment solutions.
Containment Works: Installed bespoke electrical and data containment to navigate the unique structure.
Electrical Installation: Supplied and fitted Thorlux lighting and corresponding control cabling for optimal efficiency and reliability.
Extended Work Hours: Worked evenings and weekends to minimize disruption to port operations.
Testing and Commissioning: Ensured all systems were tested and commissioned to meet safety and operational standards.
Solution
EMH Services collaborated closely with the Port of Dover’s M&E consultants, employing innovative strategies to design and secure the containment. Stainless steel was treated to mitigate chemical reactions, and custom installation techniques were developed to accommodate the canopy's curvature.