Improvement works focus on enhanced security and environment guardianship

Central London’s historic marina, St Katharine Docks has commenced a raft of refurbishments and improvements to the three docks (Central Basin, East Dock and West Dock) that make up the 160-berth marina.  Scheduled for completion by the end of autumn 2013, the improvements will enhance berth holder and visitor security, improve dock-side services and make the site more environmentally responsible.

Marina Director, William Bowman welcomed the start of improvements to the Docks.  ‘It is good to see these much-needed refurbishments underway. The end result will be a safer, cleaner and more service-orientated marina for all.  The marina is at the heart of St Katharine Docks’ bustling 25-acre estate that is home to boats, residents, businesses and retail operations.  We also welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists and Londoners throughout the year.’

A central, unisex shower and laundry block has been created adjacent to the existing marina office.  The new facilities will feature modern, eco-friendly installations and equipment and should result in more efficient fuel and water consumption.  These six individual shower and toilet units replace the two floating facilities previously located in East and West Docks.  Enhanced berthing options on improved Walcon pontooning will be created once the old floating facilities have been removed.  Other pontoons are also being replaced as part of an on-going maintenance plan.

To bring the marina in line with environmentally sound initiatives, improvements are being made to the pump-out facilities offered.  William Bowman continued, ‘We encourage a No Discharge policy so need to offer as much assistance to our boat owners as possible.  We are introducing a mobile pump-out service to boost the facilities offered by the existing static unit in the West Dock.’

The electrically operated vehicle has a 500 litre capacity tank that will pump-out holding tanks and safely release black water into the sewage system.  Boat owners simply call the marina to arrange the service which is facilitated without vessels needing to leave their moorings.

The existing self-service token-operated pump-out unit situated in the West Dock will also be upgraded and operated by the marina team.  Boat owners requiring pump-out contact the marina office who will arrange personal dockside assistance when the vessel arrives at the pump-out.

A mobile collection service for re-cycling of oil and batteries is also being introduced.  Vessel owners simply contact the marina who will arrange collection and safe disposal.

Enhanced security will be the second phase of the refurbishment plan.  New gates featuring CCTV units will be fitted to individual pontoon gangways around Central Basin and images will be monitored 24/7 at the estate’s on-site control centre.  Berth-holders will access pontoons using personalised proximity tags rather than the traditional numerical keypads.  As well as providing holders access to pontoons, the tags will also activate entry to the landside shower blocks.  Tags will be programmed in the same way as hotel keys so access to facilities will be aligned with berthing dates and fully monitored to ensure optimum security.

William Bowman continues, ‘We have fully modernised our security to offer the best level of safety for our berth-holders and visitors.  Our CCTV operation in excess of 60 cameras is supported by the physical presence of a permanent patrolling team of security staff who continue to operate around the estate.  During the busy summer period or while we are hosting high profile events we enhance our dockside team with summer marina assistants and extra staff as required.’