The owners of Workington Dock, Cumbria County Council, arrange for an annual dredging of the approaches to the dock entrance. Silting results from a combination of tidal movements and deposits from the River Derwent where it enters the Solway Firth. A Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger is engaged for several weeks of continuous work depending on the extent of silting. They are usually contracted from specialist Danish or Dutch operators. The Dredger is often assisted by a smaller Grab Hopper Dredger or Ploughing Vessel. |
The port is the base for several high speed (20Knots) workboats which ferry maintenance personnel to & from the Robin Rigg windfarm, a group of 60 turbines operated by E.ON. More extensive engineering work involves the use of Jack Up Platforms. These are too large to enter the port, however their associated tugs & workboats make use of the port's facilities. The windfarm is located midway between the Cumbrian & Scottish coasts and began full generation in 2010. It is the first commercial offshore windfarm in Scottish waters. The port also hosts a variety of vessels employed by the local water authority in connection with offshore water treatment projects. |