Topographic, Utilities & CCTV drainage surveys.
Port of Ipswich

How Accurate Surveys Drive Infrastructure and Safety Improvements for Associated British Ports

The Port of Ipswich, managed by Associated British Ports (ABP), handles over two million tonnes of cargo annually. As the UK’s largest and leading ports group, ABP sought to improve its service records and health and safety capabilities by generating a comprehensive and up-to-date survey map of the port. ABP entrusted Survey Solutions with the task of completing a detailed topographic, utilities and CCTV drainage survey for the port.

ABP is looking to invest £5 million in upgrading its high-voltage network across the Port of Ipswich. Having a clear understanding of the location of existing utilities, sewers and drains will be critical to the success of this major infrastructure project. The updated survey information also means ABP is able to provide contractors tendering for construction projects at the port with accurate and detailed plans of both above ground and underground infrastructure, enabling more precise project pricing.

Our team began with a comprehensive topographic survey, which helped identify the position of all manholes covers, an essential precursor to the utilities and drainage surveys. During this process, a large number of manholes covers that couldn’t be lifted and needed replacing were identified and our team coordinated this work with the port to ensure it was completed before the underground surveys commenced.

The surveys were conducted using cutting-edge technology, including total stations, GPS, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic transmitters, and CCTV mini-crawler systems. We executed the project, which spanned six months, in phases, with electronic drawings delivered incrementally, allowing ABP to update their records as the project progressed.

Operating in a busy port environment posed significant logistical challenges. The safety of our team and the smooth operation of the port required meticulous planning and coordination. By working in close partnership with the port’s management, we ensured that the work was carried out seamlessly and safely, without any disruption to the port‘s daily operations.

We are delighted to have played a vital role in enhancing ABP’s infrastructure planning and safety protocols. The success of this project has strengthened our partnership with ABP and we look forward to working with them on future projects.

Drainage Survey Deliverables at Ipswich Port
The coordination and scheduling of the survey work were a major concern, given the heavy traffic at the port. With hundreds of lorries coming in daily, I was anticipating potential issues, but I didn’t receive a single phone call. I was impressed with how Survey Solutions managed their own traffic control and advanced signage and worked closely with the local port team. It couldn’t have gone any better. Having worked with Survey Solutions previously at our Port of Lowestoft, we knew their work was of exceptional quality and their pricing is always competitive. On this project, their speed, attention to detail, and professionalism were outstanding. We’ve been really pleased with their service and the results. Thanks to their work, ABP can continue to prioritise health and safety, ensuring everyone is safe when working on construction projects. We’re so satisfied with the results that we are now planning a similar survey at Ipswich Beacon Marina. I couldn’t recommend Survey Solutions highly enough.”
Robert Page, Divisional Project Manager, Associated British Ports

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