Finalist for the Best Project – Asset Maintenance Award
We are delighted to announce that KBS Maritime was shortlisted for the Best Project – Asset Maintenance Award at the ICE South East England Engineering Excellence Awards 2025. This recognition celebrates our exceptional efforts and innovative approaches in the D Lock Masonry Wall Repairs project at HMNB Portsmouth.
D Lock is a crucial infrastructure asset within Portsmouth Naval Base, facilitating access from Portsmouth Harbour into 3 Basin and serving as a dry dock for large naval vessels. Constructed during the First World War, the lock features a mass poured concrete formation, topped with granite coping stones, and a granite/concrete floor. Over the years, the lock’s condition had deteriorated, necessitating urgent repairs to ensure its continued functionality and safety.
The 1990s saw the addition of a brickwork layer to the top of the concrete walls, which, due to being untied to the underlying structure, became susceptible to thermal effects and tidal action. By 2017, resin injections were undertaken to improve the stability of the walls. Laser scanning investigations revealed that the brick walls had begun to separate from the concrete, making the lock inoperable.
Gary Morrison, Technical Director at KBS Maritime said, “I am incredibly proud of our talented team at KBS and our subcontractor Mackley for making the shortlist for the award. As an organisation, we remain committed to preserving and modernising our infrastructure to meet current and future needs. Portsmouth Naval Base has proudly served the fleet since 1700, and we are honoured to continue this legacy by enhancing its capabilities and ensuring its long-term sustainability.”
To address these challenges, our project team undertook a thorough assessment and devised a robust plan to restore the lock. The vertical saw cut, removal of displaced brickwork, and inspection of the underlying structure were critical steps in our methodology. We opted for innovative materials, including epoxy pourable grout and chemical anchor resin, to enhance the lock’s resilience and longevity.
Our project leveraged several cutting-edge techniques to optimise maintenance efficiency and minimise disruption. We selected engineering bricks with low porosity and high strength, ideal for wet environments, and utilised 316 steel ties for superior corrosion resistance. The innovative scaffolding system, designed with multiple access points, allowed our team to work efficiently and safely.
Making the shortlist not only recognises our dedication to excellence in engineering but also serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of our team and partners. We look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional projects that uphold the highest standards of quality and innovation across Portsmouth Naval Base.
