Charlestown Harbour in St Austell, Cornwall, is a Grade II listed site attracting a growing number of tourists.

In 2021, Charlestown’s outer harbour was damaged during storm activity by large waves penetrating the structure of one of the historic stone walls, causing a section to collapse into the sea.

To account for challenging access needs, we installed a temporary causeway of crushed rock from a neighbouring quarry. We also protected the construction from waves by creating a temporary barrier of shipping containers filled with some of the crushed rock. As a result, the wall was repaired effectively and safely. The shipping containers were removed after works completed and the crushed rock was recycled for other uses.

We also the lead for key repair works to the historic lock gates that separate the inner and outer harbour, producing, design and build specifications for the removal, repair and re-installation of the gate, as well as all associated civil works.

In 2017, North Lincolnshire Council engaged Beckett Rankine and Wyn Davies to develop a conservation strategy for their three vessels, the motor trawler Ross Tiger, the sailing trawler Esther and the shrimper Perseverance.

The challenges to be dealt with include the fact that the Esther has sunk. We developed a comprehensive, costed, option appraisal for the long term preservation of the three vessels.

Built in Belfast in 1885, the SS Polly Woodside is a three masted iron hulled barque which is preserved afloat in Melbourne, Australia. Her berth is a, now flooded, dry dock built of timber.

Beckett Rankine were engaged to advise on the ship’s long term preservation and particularly on the works to the dry dock. Our scheme for modifying the dry dock to enable the ship to be periodically docked down for hull maintenance was completed in 2009.

The Cutty Sark was designed to bring tea over from China. She was launched in 1869 with a design life of 30 years, and as a result, she was showing serious signs of corrosion in the composite iron frame and timber plank hull. Action had to be taken so that the famous landmark did not disintegrate with the power of the river water.

Beckett Rankine proposed several techniques to preserve the Cutty Sark. These include electrolysis, replacement of damaged parts, and mechanical cleaning. The works are essential so that this major tourist attraction can survive for a further 50 years without any need for more repair.

As the electrolysis could damage the timber planking, the planks had to be removed when this process is carried out. The ship, weighing in excess of 1,000 tons, was lifted and supported by a framework that does not cause any damage to the structure, so an exhibition can be created underneath.

The Wingfield Castle is a rare paddle steamer with Ro-Ro capability. The ship was originally built as one of three Humber ferries but is the only one left in its original condition.

Our work for the owner, Hartlepool Council, included condition surveys, including diving survey, preparation of a Conservation Management Plan, a relocation options study including drydocking and storage on land as well as the production of a costed schedule of works.