GPS Marine leverages advanced technology and a diverse fleet to redefine European marine infrastructure
Based in Upnor, Kent, GPS Marine (GPS) operates in ports and harbours across Europe. Proud to be the leading marine contractor on the Thames and Medway, the company knows the waterways inside out and is highly experienced in delivering integrated, cost-effective solutions. Its multidisciplinary offerings represent the most extensive range in the marine industry. John Spencer, CEO, provides an overview of GPS’ history.
“Established for over 50 years, GPS evolved from another business. Initially, we were involved in coastal shipping, but we adapted to the decline of the British coastal industry by transitioning to operating tugs. However, it became apparent that operating only tugs was limiting the business to general towage and tug hire work, so we began acquiring and operating a fleet of barges and undertaking contracting and dredging work. We started to revive cargo transport on the Thames, which had mainly ceased to exist by the late 1980s and early 1990s, apart from refuse trade and cargo associated with major projects. To convince clients of the
feasibility of our services, we realised that we needed to undertake civil engineering as well. This meant resurrecting our clients’ infrastructure to demonstrate that our proposals were not only realistic but achievable. From there, we moved on to supporting major projects, with the iconic Canary Wharf development in Central London being one of the first endeavours we supported.
“Since then, we have been involved in numerous significant projects, such as the Medway Tunnel, further developments at Canary Wharf, Crossrail Eastern Running Tunnels, the Northern Line Extension, the Tideway Tunnel, the Silvertown Crossing, and the Jubilee Line. We have played a crucial role in most of the major projects in this region, primarily supporting Tier 1 contractors while also undertaking civil engineering and dredging in our own right. In 2021, I could see a decline in the pipeline for major projects in the Southeast, so, in conjunction with Marine and Civil Services Ltd, we established GPS Marine and Civil Services Ltd. Since then, GPS Marine and Civil Services Ltd has become a significant player in the marine civils and demolition market in the Southeast, and also undertakes projects valued at up to £10 million elsewhere in the UK. We support both these construction activities and Tier 1 projects. GPS Marine Contractors Ltd’s fleet supports GPS Marine and Civil Services Ltd’s projects on the rivers Thames, Medway and elsewhere, and also supports Tier 1 contractors on marine projects and projects requiring marine logistics, marine transport and general marine support. Currently, we transport approximately one million tonnes of cargo per annum on the Thames and Medway under long-term freight agreements,” he elaborates.
Specialised skills
While reflecting on early projects, John discusses GPS’ role in the development of Southend Pier’s new cultural centre, which was one of the first projects undertaken by GPS Marine and Civil Services Ltd. “This project involved working with a listed structure and sensitively installing the new piles that the structure was mounted on. A structure like Southend Pier is quite delicate, and we needed to drive relatively long, small-diameter piles, making this technically challenging. We conducted all the work from a jack-up platform and supplied all materials via barge, aligning perfectly with our basic operational model. Furthermore, it required the specialised skills and equipment that we possess. This project was quite interesting and was one of the first we undertook back in 2021. Since then, we have been involved in various construction, repair and demolition activities, mainly in the Thames and Medway areas. Still, we also collaborate with partners on different projects. Just last year, we completed major renovation work on the Levens Viaduct in the Northwest,” he adds.
Investing in technology
Investing in technologyGPS’ success in executing projects relies heavily on its versatile fleet of vessels and specialised equipment. John provides valuable insights into the diverse range of vessels the company can deploy on projects as well as their specific purposes. “We operate a fleet of tugs, with seven or eight stationed on the Thames and a couple of others mainly based in Northwest Europe, which occasionally travel to the Thames. The tugs in Northwest Europe stay outside the UK most of the time, although they do participate in some dredging projects here. Additionally, our fleet includes several types of barges, most of which are hopper barges designed to carry spoil and very wet cargoes. We also have several box-hold barges, better suited for transporting things like reinforced concrete segments, piles and rebar cages, as well as flat-top barges that can be outfitted as crane barges or dredgers, and are used for transporting abnormal cargoes. At the moment, four of these flat-top barges are used as crane barges, with one chartered in Rotterdam, another in Dublin, and two operating on the Thames. The rest of them are either awaiting assignments or engaged in transport operations.
“This diverse fleet enables us to take a broad approach to the market and allows us to support all our activities. Within the company, we also utilise modular pontoons that can be deployed relatively cheaply in ports further afield. Although they are not designed for seagoing operations, they serve our needs well. We are currently working as a subcontractor at Bewl Water Reservoir in Kent, where we have deployed a couple of these modular pontoons. Our marine and civil services divisions work closely together on this project and support each other’s efforts. Lastly, we are engaged in wharf and jetty construction, as well as camp shed construction in Barking Creek. In the coming month, additional pontoons, tugs, and barges will be deployed to support this project,” he continues.
Beyond its fleet, GPS has invested in the ARIS system, a technology that enhances its underwater capabilities for complex projects. “ARIS is a diver-mounted system that provides a clear view in black water, which is often a challenge in many British ports. In a recent project where we installed scour protection, divers were able to see with absolute clarity even at depths exceeding ten metres below chart datum, and the visuals were relayed to the surface in real time. This technology enables us to better control civil activities underwater and facilitates detailed surveys of submerged structures. We can also capture individual images and compile them into a comprehensive moving image, providing a clear view of the underwater environment,” John ends.