Houlder designed the pontoon for the new Battersea Riverbus Pier before providing technical support during its construction and installation.   Acting for the project’s marine civil contractor, Beckett Rankine, Houlder naval architects were accountable for structural and hydrodynamic analysis of the pier’s floating elements. Now in operation, the pier plays a key role in Battersea Power Station’s continued development. You can catch an MBNA Thames Clipper (pictured below) from the pier to the City and to Canary Wharf every 20 minutes.

The pier is required to withstand potential accidental impacts from a 2,000t barge operating from the adjacent jetty. To absorb the energy of the impact the pier is fitted with novel sliding pile yokes that allow the floating structure to move up to 1.4m with friction bolts providing resistance. The pier’s ballast system is novel too, consisting of 5t capacity water bags designed specifically for the task.

The project is a strong example of Houlder’s seamless integration with marine civils projects. Alongside river bus services, cruise vessels, ferries and motor yachts have benefited from our understanding of access requirements and regulations, commitment to the highest safety standards and expertise in the design and construction of floating structures.