Ocean Kinetics have become one of the UK’s foremost marine contractors to specialise in the repair and protection of steel and concrete marine structures.
We have extensive experience in identifying and repairing steelwork affected by accelerated low water corrosion (ALWC).
Many affected quays and harbours we have treated had originally been designed to be maintenance free for 25 years. In some instances the effects of ALWC have reduced the quay life by up to 60 years.
We can halt the effects of corrosion and return the structural integrity to these structures. Read about our underwater sheet pile repairs for a working example.
We also provide general marine work solutions for projects like pier construction or repair, and boat salvage or inspection.
The marine repair process
Using innovative and cost effective solutions we can repair and protect your marine structures. We have in-house facilities and personnel capable of providing the complete solution, from the initial inspection to the completed repair.
Using our own self-contained mobile marine plant and team of diving welders we carry out the initial visual and ultrasonic surveys, both above and below water. We then design a system to meet your budget and time scale.
Having been involved in so many projects over the past decade we are now in a position where we can quickly outline the various options to you.
Ocean Kinetics’ systems
Our extensive knowledge has led us to develop 2 repair systems of our own – currently under patent application in the UK:
- Concrete sheet pile in pan repair system
Repair and protection of sheet piling where corrosion and holing is limited to webs or the in-pan. This system utilises a high specification concrete to form an abrasive resistant element that returns any structural integrity lost due to corrosion.
The system can be selective allowing localised repairs to affected areas and does not require modifications to the concrete cope. This system can be combined with cathodic protection to protect any exposed steel. - Complete sheet pile repair system
Complete concrete repair to sheet piling where corrosion is widespread and not limited to in-pans. This system caps holes and forms a durable and abrasive resistant concrete face and returns structural integrity.
Some alternative systems we have used are:
- Steel plating to repair corroded pile sections
This is only economic over isolated areas and there is no guarantee of future protection unless combined with cathodic protection. - Paint Systems
Commonly used on new sheet pile systems and generally only successful in the splash zone and where there is protection from mechanical damage. Does not return structural qualities. - Cathodic Protection
Very effective in suppressing the anodic reaction (rusting) when properly designed and installed. Can only be used to halt or slow corrosion. Requires future maintenance – although this may be extended to more than 20 years with proper design.
