Caisson gate in the Port of Leith was overhauled

Dales Marine Services has completed refurbishment work on one of the three caisson gates in the Port of Leith, helping to maintain safe vessel access at one of Scotland’s busiest ports.

The gate, a key component of the port’s lock system, was moved into Dales Marine’s Leith drydock for maintenance as part of Forth Ports’ long-term infrastructure programme. Caisson gates are used to control water access and maintain a constant water level within the harbour, allowing vessels to enter and leave the non-tidal port.

The scope of work included renewing all timber components on the gate, replacing wheel assemblies on two bogie systems, carrying out steel repairs and refurbishing critical valves. The gates typically undergo major maintenance every eight years.

Phil McFadyen, operations manager at Dales Marine Services’ Leith yard, said the project was important to the continued safe operation of the port, noting that failure of the gate would prevent vessel access. He said the company was proud to have completed the work safely and on schedule.

Chris Monteith, asset manager at the Port of Leith, said ongoing investment in maintenance was essential to ensure the port’s infrastructure continued to operate safely and efficiently. He added that the port had a long-standing relationship with the Dales Marine team and welcomed its support on the refurbishment project.

While the caisson gate was in drydock, Dales Marine also completed three consecutive drydocking projects on tug vessels at the Leith facility.