As part of expansion plans for a port in West Africa, the client sought to add a new layby and fuel offloading berth that could speed up the export process, supporting their vision to drastically increase their export volume of local materials. 

The development will provide a significant number of jobs and improve infrastructure that will benefit the communities in the region. 

Beckett Rankine was commissioned to design the berth so that it could accommodate Supramax vessels in layby while the existing cargo berth is in use, as well as allow smaller tanker vessels for fuel offloading.  

The concept then evolved from a layby berth to a multi-purpose quay, offering the same functionality for cargo exports and additionally enabling product offloading. This new quay, alongside an extension of the existing berth, allows both to be used simultaneously for a more efficient process. 

We carried out a pre-FEED optioneering study and FEED package, bringing onboard a team of specialists for technical input such as advising on the cathodic protection systems and lighting.  We also carried out a condition and structural assessment of the existing port infrastructure to determine what current and future maintenance activities may be needed. 

The design considers the wider port and hinterland developments, ensuring flexibility to accommodate future developments, as well as factoring in the available skills and resources in the region.