PD Ports
Cargo Fleet Wharf
Conservancy Facility
CIVIL ENGINEERING | STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING | MARINE ENGINEERING | INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION | PROJECT MANAGEMENT
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Simpson Coulson was appointed as Principal Contractor under an NEC3 contract. We were able to deliver a major programme of design, engineering and construction works for PD Ports at Cargo Fleet Wharf, Teesside.
The development centres on a purpose-built conservancy facility providing approximately 22,000sqft of combined workshop, storage and office accommodation. Designed to support PD Ports’ marine operations, the facility incorporates a substantial structural steel frame. Also featuring two internal mezzanine levels, a 5-tonne overhead travelling crane and specialist access arrangements for vessel maintenance.
WIDER SCOPE
Beyond the design and construction of the building itself, Simpson Coulson’s scope encompasses an extensive programme of associated marine and civil engineering works. This enhances the surrounding wharf infrastructure to accommodate operational vessels, improve berthing arrangements and support long term conservancy activities.
EXPERTISE
With the principal building complete and associated infrastructure works progressing, the project demonstrates Simpson Coulson’s capability to integrate structural design, specialist fabrication, civil engineering and marine construction within a coordinated, multidisciplinary delivery programme.
22,000 sq ft
Specialist office and workshop facility
5T
Overhead travelling crane installation
18,000L
Marine refuelling station
NEC3
Main contractor
ENGINEERING CHALLENGE
The development needed to accommodate PD Ports’ diverse conservancy fleet, combining a purpose-built 22,000sqft workshop and office facility with dedicated vessel maintenance, berthing, refuelling and servicing infrastructure.
Alongside the building construction, significant modifications to the existing wharf were required. This was to support dredgers and operational vessels, including the Tees Guardian. This involved new marine fender systems, specialist access structures, piled foundations and a floating pontoon designed to accommodate changing tidal conditions.
The project presented several interconnected engineering and construction challenges:
SCOPE OF WORKS
Simpson Coulson’s programme encompasses the design, fabrication, construction and coordination of a comprehensive range of civil, structural, marine and industrial infrastructure works.
Building & Structural Engineering
• Construction of the new conservancy workshop and offices
• Structural steel frame and supporting foundations
• Two internal mezzanine floors
• 5-tonne overhead crane install
• External cladding, glazing, balconies, roller shutter doors
• Internal and external staircases
• Building drainage and services
Marine & Waterfront Engineering
• Removal of existing marine fender structures
• Design, fabrication and installation of replacement fender
• Bespoke steelwork and personnel access arrangements
• Floating pontoon infrastructure design extending 75 metres
• Piled bankseat foundations and pontoon access walkway
Civil Engineering & Infrastructure
• Site preparation, foundations, concrete works and drainage
• Marine bollards, protection plates and associated wharf infrastructure
• Rail and winch foundations
• Marine refuelling station with 18,000 litre storage tank
• External surfacing, access and supporting infrastructure
Project Management
• Contracted NEC3 responsibilities
• Planning, programming and coordination of construction
• Management of specialist subcontractors and suppliers
• Site supervision, health and safety management
• Construction sequencing within operational port environment
• Completion and demobilisation
PROJECT OUTCOME
Award-Winning Marine Facility
Recognised with the Port Development Award at the British Ports Association Annual Conference 2026, the complete Cargo Fleet Wharf Conservancy Facility represents a significant investment in the future of Teesside’s marine infrastructure. This strengthens PD Ports’ capabilities as Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees.
With the principal building substantially complete, the facility integrates maintenance, storage and administrative functions within a single operational hub.
FROM CONSTRUCTION
TO COMPLETION
INFRASTRUCTURE BUILT FOR THE FUTURE
Simpson Coulson successfully delivered a major new Conservancy Facility at Cargo Fleet Wharf, bringing together civil, structural and marine engineering expertise to create a purpose-built operational hub for PD Ports.
From structural steelwork and specialist construction to modern office accommodation and marine maintenance facilities, this development stands as a flagship example of Simpson Coulson’s multidisciplinary capabilities and our contribution to the continued development of critical port infrastructure in Teesside.
A landmark addition to Teesside’s waterfront infrastructure, showcasing Simpson Coulson’s commitment to engineering excellence and the continued investment in the region’s industrial future.