With sea and flood defences very much on everyone’s mind at the present time, particularly in the North West of England, Whitehaven Marina in Cumbria have confirmed the dates for their annual lock closure. This closure will be between Monday 22nd February and Monday 7th March 2016.
The annual maintenance work to be carried out by our marina staff and specialist contractors, is vital to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the Sea Lock throughout 2016 and beyond. This will ensure that the heavy lock gates keep the wild and windy Irish Sea at bay and the 400 boats in Whitehaven Marina, plus the town of Whitehaven itself, safe from flooding.
The Sea Lock at Whitehaven Marina, along with the 265 year old breakwaters, forms an integral part of the sea defences and has definitely been put to the test over previous years by some powerful winter storms.
The Marina team work hard (often in inclement weather) for two weeks in servicing the lock and all its infrastructure including the hydraulics, electrical systems, seals and anodes. The closure is timed to cause the least disruption as possible to the many vessels that use the marina.
Mark Bowden, Operations Director for Whitehaven Marina said “This is an important maintenance period for us and this year, in association with the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, we will be spending in excess of £35,000 to ensure all aspects of the Sea Lock are serviced and checked. Having seen over the past years the increase in frequency of powerful storms and tidal surges, this work will ensure that the marina and town will be kept safe”
The Sea Lock was constructed in 1998 at a cost of £6.7 million and formed part of the regeneration of Whitehaven harbour and town. Approximately 3400 vessels a year pass through the Sea Lock which is manned 24/7.
For further enquiries about the Marina and the Lock and its operation please contact [email protected] or call 01946 692435 or visit www.whitehavenmarina.co.uk