A UK-based tug and workboat owner has been appointed as the principal marine contractor for the extensive refurbishment of one of London’s historic bridges
VolkerFitzpatrick has started refurbishing Hungerford Bridge, which crosses the River Thames in London, UK with the railway line into Charing Cross Station, on behalf of Network Rail.
It contracted London-headquartered Livett’s as the principal marine contractor to provide marine civil engineering services and its barges, tugs and workboats for the project.
Scheldemond I is being used as a work platform and barge, and Livett’s flat-top pontoon Dart is being fitted out for accommodation, storage, waste disposal and to act as a mothership to the project, with a bespoke mooring system installed.
Livett’s common user berth at Durham Wharf, Charlton will act as a consolidation centre to facilitate deliveries to the site, which will be transported aboard Livett’s vessels, removing hundreds of lorry movements, therefore cutting pollution and congestion on London’s roads.
“We are providing all marine support for this vital refurbishment of Hungerford Bridge,” said Livett’s managing director Ed Livett.“Our team has a long history of assisting with the renewal of London’s historic bridges, and working closely with VolkerFitzpatrick and Network Rail.”
Work on Hungerford Bridge began on 18 January 2025 and and includes replacing pin-end caps on the wrought iron lattice girders, dating from 1864, preserving the original metalwork and testing the pins.
“Refurbishment of Hungerford Bridge will take three years, and we will not need to close the bridge to trains during this first phase,” said Network Rail Kent route director, David Davidson.
“To avoid further disruption, we will also use barges to deliver and remove waste materials to Surrey Pier for the period of the works to avoid creating extra traffic and the resulting pollution.”
Livett’s has provided marine engineering and vessel support for other historic railway bridges in London, including extensive reconstruction of Blackfriars Rail Bridge and repainting Cannon Street Railway Bridge.
