Folkestone SeaCat Berth

Year
1992
Project Type
Creative Design
Location
UK

A new fast ferry route between Folkestone and Boulogne serviced by SeaCat catamarans was planned alongside the separate freight service which was already in operation serviced by a conventional RoRo vessel. Because SeaCats berthing and mooring requirements are not compatible with conventional RoRo vessels, a new docking system was required.

Beckett Rankine designed modifications to the berth to enable utilisation by both types of vessel, thus saving the expense of constructing a second berth. A removable extension was added to the linkspan bridge, together with an additional berthing dolphin and a passenger access tower.

A retractable fendering system has been developed so that both types of vessels can use suitable fenders. A vertically sliding mooring has also been adopted to allow quick berthing. The Seacats take 80 cars and 400 passengers and perform 3 round trips a day.