Civil works are now underway at Portsmouth Naval Base on a significant infrastructure project being delivered by KBS Maritime on behalf of the Royal Navy, which will provide a new permanent tower crane to support Royal Navy operations.
The project will deliver a new permanent tower crane to support the introduction of the Type 31 frigates, while continuing to serve the existing Type 45 destroyer fleet operating from Portsmouth. Once complete, the crane will substantially expand waterfront lifting capability, enabling double‑berthed operations and allowing multiple ships to be serviced at the same time alongside existing mobile crane operations.
Standing more than 70 metres tall, the permanent tower crane will deliver a highly specialised lifting capability and is one of only a small number of comparable installations worldwide.
The civil works phase now under way includes piling and foundation construction, which will provide the critical base for the crane installation later this year. These early works represent an essential step in the safe and efficient delivery of the project.
KBS Maritime is working closely with a team of specialist delivery partners to bring the project forward. Mackley is leading the civil engineering works on site, Ramboll is providing design and engineering expertise, and Liebherr will supply and install the tower crane itself. This integrated approach brings together specialist capability across engineering, construction and manufacturing to deliver a complex asset in a live operational environment.
By investing in permanent infrastructure rather than relying on short‑term equipment hire, the project will deliver long‑term value for money, improve availability for fleet support and reduce operational risk across the waterfront. Over its expected lifespan, the new capability will deliver significant cost savings while strengthening the Base’s ability to respond to future operational demands.
The tower crane forms part of a wider programme of investment being Portsmouth Naval Base, focused on modernising historic infrastructure and ensuring the UK’s flagship naval base remains resilient, capable and ready to support defence operations for decades to come.
