Projects

Our Completed Projects

At Mike’s Boatyard, we take pride in the diverse range of projects we’ve completed, showcasing our expertise across marine construction, vessel maintenance, salvage, and engineering. From complex pier rebuilds and specialist vessel refits to challenging salvage operations, our team has tackled jobs of all sizes with precision and skill. Below are some highlights of our recent work, demonstrating the quality and versatility of our services.

For information on how we can assist with your next project E-mail us at tenders@mikesby.co.uk

Our Clients

We have worked with and for a large number of clients over the years, these include;

DP World London Gateway
Southend City Council
Westminster Boskalis
RNLI
Anglian Water services
Beckett Rankine
A2 Maritime
Various shipping companies
Constructex

Woods Quay, London

Project Overview

Mike’s Boatyard was proud to be involved in the redevelopment of Wood’s Quay, a key waterfront location directly in front of the Savoy Hotel on the Thames. This project involved the dismantling of the existing Savoy Pier, extensive embankment clearance, and the installation of a brand-new berthing structure.

Our Role in the Project

Our team played a crucial role in multiple aspects of the redevelopment, including:

Dismantling & Clearance – Carefully removing the old Savoy Pier and clearing the embankment to make way for new infrastructure.
Pontoon Construction & Installation – The new brow pontoons were built in our yard, then transported and installed alongside the embankment to serve as the foundation for the gangway/brow.
Berthing Infrastructure – We installed additional new pontoons where vessels now berth, ensuring a durable and stable mooring solution.
Custom Fabrication – We also designed and built canopy frames to provide shelter for passengers and crew using the pier, ensuring protection from both sun and rain.

Outcome

This project modernized a historic pier in one of London’s most iconic locations, improving access for vessels and enhancing the overall infrastructure. Our expertise in marine construction, fabrication, and installation helped create a functional and long-lasting berthing solution that blends seamlessly with the Thames waterfront.

HQS Wellington Remooring, Thames

Project Overview

Mike’s Boatyard was tasked with the remooring of HQS Wellington, a historic vessel moored along the banks of the Thames. This project required precise engineering and fabrication work to ensure the ship remained securely moored to newly installed piles.

Our Role in the Project

Large Hull Modifications – We made structural adjustments to the hull to accommodate new mooring chains, ensuring a secure and lasting connection. This included adding 100mm plating the width off the vessel.
Mooring Installation – Our team worked to attach new chains to the vessel, securing them to newly installed mooring piles along the river.
Precision & Safety – Given the vessel’s historic nature, all work was carried out with careful planning to avoid unnecessary stress on the hull while ensuring a strong and stable mooring solution.

Outcome

Thanks to our expertise in marine engineering and mooring installation, HQS Wellington was successfully secured in its new mooring position, ensuring its continued presence on the Thames.

Salvage & Towing of Llys Helig

Project Overview

In 2022, Mike’s Boatyard was contracted to assist in the salvage and relocation of the historic yacht Llys Helig. The vessel, which had been moored in Burnham-on-Crouch, required careful handling due to its age and fragile condition. To ensure a safe recovery, we utilized our dry dock, allowing for a controlled refloat and secure transportation.

Our Role in the Project

Assessment and Planning – Our team conducted a thorough structural assessment of Llys Helig and devised a strategy to refloat and stabilize the vessel within our dry dock.
Salvage Operations – Using specialist lifting equipment, we carefully floated the yacht into the dry dock, ensuring minimal stress on the hull.
Towing & Transport – Once secured inside the dry dock, we towed the entire structure to Rochford, providing a stable and controlled relocation process.

Outcome

This operation successfully preserved a piece of maritime history, demonstrating our expertise in salvage, dry dock operations, and controlled vessel transport. By utilizing our dry dock, we ensured that Llys Helig was safely floated and relocated with minimal risk.

Case Study: Fender Repairs at Canary Wharf Pier

Project Overview

Mike’s Boatyard, in collaboration with Constructex, was contracted to carry out extensive fender repairs at Canary Wharf Pier, a busy berthing locations for Thames Clippers. With continuous vessel traffic, the fendering system required significant reinforcement to maintain the pier’s safety and functionality.

Our Role in the Project

Full Inspection & Assessment – Together with Constructex, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the fendering system, identifying areas in need of repair and replacement.
Fender Repairs & Replacement – Our team, working alongside Constructex, undertook repairs around the entire berth, installing new fenders where necessary.
Minimising Disruption – Given the pier’s high usage, we ensured all work was completed efficiently and without disrupting Thames Clippers’ services.

Outcome

The upgraded fendering system now ensures Canary Wharf Pier can accommodate high passenger volumes safely and effectively. This collaborative project demonstrates our expertise in marine construction and maintenance and our ability to work seamlessly with partners like Constructex.

For pier maintenance and marine repairs, reach out to us to discuss your project needs.

Other jobs completed include,

Upnor Army Engineers pier – Existing pier removed and marine works supporting the construction of the new pier. Works included vessel mobilisation, plant hire, project management and safety boat roles.
Ridham Dock – Removal of old rendering and piles and placing new wooden fenders.
London Gateway – Assisting with concrete repairs, including preparation work for concreting, installation of anodes and ladders, assisting CP and fender surveys and safety boating.

MOD Barge

This MoD target barge was sunk in the mud and would not refloat. We were asked to survey it to assess the damage and see if it could be repaired/refloated. We put 4 salvage pumps aboard and welded plates over the major holes in the hull. We managed to float it on the incoming tide and pulled it out of its hole with our workboat to assess the remaining damage. Due to a large split in the stern it was deemed impracticable to repair so we agreed to scrap it.

Ship to Ship transfer assistance
We provided a launch and fendering service to three ships anchored in the Thames estuary to facilitate the transfer of mineral oil. We set up and craned the fenders into the water and towed them to the anchorage, where we put them in place alonside the mothership. Throughout the month-long project we provided launch services to these ships; including crew changes, stores transfers, and transport for Lloyds and MCA surveyors.

At mikes boat yard we can operate from Southend Pier, Hole-haven or Sheerness 24 hours a day 7 days a year.

We are regularly contracted to work with TV crews when an incident occurs in the Thames, such as live coverage of the Southend Pier fire, observing wayward whales, or the detonation of mines by the MoD.

We have provided support services to Television productions such as “Man Down” with Greg Davis “Just Good Friends” and “Waking the Dead” as well as launch services for Sky News, BBC News and GMTV.