Pleavin Power delivered continuity at high tide in a high-stake situation at a busy shipping dock
THE CHALLENGE
Birkenhead Docks faced a critical operational risk that threatened dock balance and lock functionality.
The situation was time-sensitive, with only a three-hour high-tide window available to stabilise water levels. Failure to act would have resulted in disrupted lock operations, delayed vessel movements, and significant knock-on effects to port activity.
The task required the rapid mobilisation of large-scale power and pumping equipment with complex logistics that involved heavy infrastructure.
The Solution
Pleavin Power delivered an emergency, large-scale power and pumping solution, mobilising resources immediately to meet the challenge.
Key elements of the response included:
The solution was designed and executed to ensure maximum pumping output within the limited timeframe while maintaining safety and operational control.
- Deployment of over 18 vehicles of specialist equipment
- Installation of a 2,000 kVA power package to support high-capacity pumping
- Use of five high-output pumps, each capable of pumping 4,500 m³ per hour
- Removal of physical obstructions (shrubs and fencing) to enable rapid access
- Coordination of 30+ HGV movements, 150-tonne cranes, fuel systems and installation teams
- On-site engineers managing continuous operation during and after the critical tidal period.
The solution was designed and executed to ensure maximum pumping output within the limited timeframe while maintaining safety and operational control.
The Results
- 110,000 m³ of water successfully pumped within the available tidal window
- Dock water levels stabilised, preventing operational failure
- Lock operations maintained, allowing shipping schedules to continue uninterrupted
- Zero reported safety incidents despite the scale and urgency of the operation
- Continued on site support in the following days to ensure ongoing resilience.
This intervention demonstrated our ability to deliver high-pressure, critical infrastructure solutions under extreme time constraints, protecting vital port operations and minimising disruption.
