GEORGE Leslie is to begin work to repair damage sustained at Port Askaig Harbour since its refurbishment in 2024.
Argyll & Bute Council said that the works have been planned carefully to ensure that there is no disruption to either the Islay or Jura ferry services during the week commencing August 3.
Repairs will be carried out on two of the three parallel motion fenders at the harbour, after they were damaged. Works will look to take advantage of next week’s low tides.
Having previously completed the fenders’ refurbishment for CMAL, the George Leslie also has the advantage of knowing how the parallel motion fenders work and which components are required for the repairs.
There will be a land-based mobile crane located on the quayside cordoned off to keep members of the public safely away from the working area. The crane will provide access from a man basket to the works area adjacent to the passenger access platform.
In the water, there will be a small works boat to give access to various required repairs, and this work will be co-ordinated around the tides. Using a dive team will also ensure repairs can be made regardless of the state of the tide. With these bases covered, works can be conducted as effective and efficiently as possible.
All work areas will be cleared 30 minutes ahead of scheduled ferry arrivals so there will be no impact on the ferry service, the local authority said.
Works that will be covered include, removing damaged UHMW-PE panel, replace in situ damaged studs, repair damage to paintwork and install new UHMW-PE facing pane on two PMFs; replace seaward leg fender unit on PMF1; replace fixing between fender leg and backing plate on PFM1; replace nut and washer on resin anchor connecting steel backing plate to precast concrete on PMF1; and replacing fixing on loose Greenheart timber on lower extent of roundhead.
Councillor Ross Moreland, chair of Argyll and Bute Harbour Board, said, “We are pleased that the works can be done at a time and in a way that will cause no disruption to both ferry services using Port Askaig at this busy time of year. Thanks to all the stakeholders for their co-operation. Should some forbearance be required, we thank you in advance. This is important work to make sure our islands stay connected.”
