Delivering a 50-Metre Radar Tower for One of the UK's Busiest Waterways
Swann Engineering Group Ltd successfully completed the fabrication and installation of a new 50-metre radar tower for the Port of London Authority at Northfleet, overlooking Gravesend Reach – one of the busiest stretches of the River Thames for commercial shipping.
The project was commissioned following the planned decommissioning of an existing radar installation located on a nearby tower block due to local redevelopment. To ensure the continued operation of vital maritime monitoring systems, a purpose-built standalone structure was required to support a new radar array.
Design, Fabrication and Quality Assurance
The radar tower was manufactured at Swann Engineering's headquarters in Braintree, Essex, where each section was fabricated to precise specifications.
Before delivery to site, a full trial assembly of the structure was carried out at our manufacturing facility. This process enabled our engineering team to verify dimensional accuracy, confirm compliance with the client's requirements, and ensure a smooth and efficient installation programme once work commenced on site.
Following customer approval, all structural steelwork underwent hot-dip galvanisation. This protective zinc coating provides long-term resistance against corrosion, helping to safeguard the tower against the challenging environmental conditions associated with exposed riverside locations.
Installation and Engineering Challenges
Once delivered to Northfleet, the tower sections were assembled on the ground before being lifted into position using a 50-tonne crane.
A key aspect of the project involved the installation of a bespoke steel spiral staircase through the centre of the structure. Designed to provide safe and reliable access to the radar equipment and associated electronic systems, the staircase required precise integration with the tower framework.
Through careful planning, detailed engineering and close collaboration between fabrication and installation teams, the staircase and tower components aligned perfectly during assembly.
Following the successful installation and bracing of the staircase, the remaining upper sections of the tower were erected using a 150-tonne crane, allowing the structure to reach its full 50-metre height.
Overcoming Site Conditions
The exposed nature of the riverside location and the onset of winter weather presented several logistical and operational challenges throughout the installation phase.
However, through effective project management, detailed planning and the expertise of our site teams, Swann Engineering successfully delivered the project on schedule and in full accordance with the client's specification.
Project Outcome
The completed radar tower now provides a robust and reliable platform for the Port of London Authority's radar monitoring systems, helping to support the safe management of vessel traffic along one of the UK's most important maritime routes.
Reflecting on the project, Senior Project Engineer Ian Coxall commented:
"This was an exciting project to be a part of which, although it came with challenges, our team was able to deliver a good quality project, on time and to the customer's specifications. Well done to everyone involved."
Project Highlights
- 50-metre bespoke steel radar tower
- Manufactured at Swann Engineering's Braintree facility
- Full trial assembly completed prior to installation
- Hot-dip galvanised steel construction
- Custom-designed internal spiral staircase
- Installation completed using 50-tonne and 150-tonne cranes
- Delivered on time and to specification
- Supporting critical maritime infrastructure on the River Thames
For more information about Swann Engineering's structural steelwork and bespoke engineering solutions, contact our team today.
