Poole Port Repairs & Anode Install 1.5yrs Showcasing Our Subsea Welding Expertise: Remedial Works at Poole Harbour Apex was commissioned by the Harbour Engineer at Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) in Poole Port, Dorset, UK, for an extensive year-long initiative. This project highlighted our advanced subsea welding capabilities through comprehensive inspections of nine commercial quays and subsequent remedial efforts on a Larsen sheet pile wall. Our certified divers and engineers repaired over 300 defects using precision over plating techniques and installed 416 sacrificial anodes, all while minimizing operational disruptions. This case study emphasizes our subsea welding prowess; for details on our CSWIP 3.1U inspection skills, view the diving-focused case study. For the overarching civil engineering perspective, explore the original project overview. Objectives and Challenges As a high-traffic natural harbour, Poole faces relentless corrosion and structural wear from tidal action and vessel impacts, demanding robust subsea repairs to maintain safety and longevity. The focus was on welding-intensive remedial works to address widespread defects. Key challenges included: Identifying and repairing over 300 corrosion-related defects, such as holes, thinning, and pitting, in a submerged, low-visibility environment. Executing precise subsea welding and overplating without compromising the structural integrity or causing environmental harm. Installing 416 anodes for cathodic protection across extensive quay surfaces, ensuring even coverage and long-term efficacy. Adhering to stringent safety standards, including hyperbaric welding protocols, while working in tidal currents and coordinating with ongoing port activities. Our Approach Utilizing our in-house dive support vessel and a team of certified subsea welders, we structured the project into inspection and repair phases, with welding as the core competency in remediation. Phase 1: Pre-Repair Inspections and Preparation To enable targeted welding, initial surveys prepared the sites: High-pressure jetting to strip away marine growth, rust, and debris, exposing defects for accurate assessment. Detailed visual and ultrasonic evaluations to map over 300 defects, categorizing them by size, location, and severity for welding prioritization. This groundwork ensured welding operations were efficient and focused. Phase 2: Subsea Welding and Anode Installation Our expert divers performed the bulk of the work on the affected Larsen sheet pile wall over several months: Defect Repairs via Over plating: Over 300 defects were addressed through subsea wet welding and over plating—applying reinforced steel plates welded directly onto damaged sections. This technique restored strength, sealed vulnerabilities, and prevented further deterioration, using specialized electrodes and equipment suited for underwater conditions. Anode Installation: Strategic placement of 416 sacrificial anodes, welded or bolted in place to provide cathodic protection. Divers ensured optimal positioning for uniform corrosion resistance, covering high-risk areas like joints and pitted zones. Quality Assurance: Real-time monitoring and post-weld inspections, including non-destructive testing, verified weld integrity and anode functionality, all compliant with industry welding standards. Operations were conducted with surface-supplied systems for enhanced safety and precision, reducing dive times and environmental impact. Results and Benefits This project demonstrated Apex's subsea welding excellence, delivering durable repairs that bolstered Poole Harbour's infrastructure. Key outcomes: Successful remediation of over 300 defects through over plating, significantly enhancing the quay wall's structural resilience and operational lifespan. Installation of 416 anodes, providing comprehensive cathodic protection and potentially averting millions in future corrosion-related costs. Minimal port downtime, with welding works integrated seamlessly into daily activities, showcasing our efficient methodologies. Client acclaim for our welding precision, defect resolution rate, and overall project execution, positioning Apex as a premier provider of subsea repair solutions. For complementary insights, refer to our CSWIP 3.1U diving case study or the original civil engineering showcase.