Gatic Drainage systems have been specified for DP World’s Berth 4 at the London Gateway logistics hub, continuing a trusted relationship established over previous berth developments at the site.
Situated on the north bank of the River Thames, Berth 4 represents a £350m expansion of London Gateway, and the world’s first all-electric deep-water berth.
The project, which has been designed by Ramboll, and delivered by main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, supports DP World’s ambition to make London Gateway one of Europe’s most advanced and sustainable logistics facilities.
Successful track record
Since 1928, Gatic has enjoyed a global reputation for engineering heavy-duty access and drainage systems, designed to endure the harshest operational conditions. Gatic products are widely installed in ports, airports, and major transport and logistics hubs where structural strength, watertight integrity, and long-term reliability are critical.
Alumasc’s Gatic team have been involved extensively with DP World over earlier berth works at London Gateway, with a range of products previously installed. The specification of Gatic Access Covers and UltraSlot at Berth 4 continues our trusted relationship with the project stakeholders, and further demonstrates Gatic’s ability to withstand the demands of a live port application. Both systems are purpose-built to perform in environments subject to extreme loading, continuous vehicle traffic, and exposure to the elements.
Gatic Access Covers
Extensively specified across ports and airports worldwide, Gatic Access Covers handle the most punishing conditions with uncompromised stability. They offer a precision fit to significantly reduce rocking, noise, and long-term wear, making them ideal for high-intensity applications like London Gateway.
Gatic Access Covers are manufactured from ductile cast iron and assembled to a tight ‘metal-to-metal’ tolerance of 0.25mm, providing a gas-, air-, and water-tight seal preventing ingress of debris and surface water, and protecting critical below-ground services.
Multiple cover configurations were specified for Berth 4, following historical supply to the site over many years and Gatic’s proven performance in the toughest of environments.
An array of sizes was supplied, including multispan, two-part, and single units, to accommodate the diverse service chambers beneath the port’s expansive loading areas; Gatic Access covers meet the F900 loading class, making them capable of withstanding slow-moving wheel loads of up to 35 tonnes. Hydrant covers were also supplied across the scheme. These provide a small opening in the centre of the cover, allowing access to valves and hydrants within the chamber, without the need to remove the cover. This allows for safer and easier maintenance on site.
Gatic UltraSlot
Gatic UltraSlot is a heavy-duty system from Gatic’s Slotdrain range. It is manufactured from pre-galvanised sheet steel and will not break during transportation, storage, installation or operation, thus minimising costs for both the contractor and client. It can also be supplied in stainless steel.
Gatic Ultraslot was specified for its ability to deliver maximum intake capacity while maintaining structural integrity under extreme traffic and loading conditions. UltraSlot is certified to F900 loading class, and channels are supplied in three-metre lengths to accelerate installation. Their monolithic construction enhances robustness and longevity, while the V-shaped internal profile promotes self-cleansing flow to minimise sediment build-up and maintenance requirements.
At Berth 4, the system ensures rapid surface water removal across vast cargo-handling areas, protecting them from slip and skid hazards.
Unrivalled support
Gatic boasts a workforce comprising members who have been with the company in excess of forty years. Their technical expertise and industry knowledge is unrivalled, and serves to reinforce our successful ongoing partnership with construction colleagues at London Gateway.
Gatic Civil Drainage & Access Covers sits under the AWMS umbrella, as one of five brands well known for innovation, quality and longevity. The four accompanying brands are: Alumasc Rainwater Gutters & Downpipes; Skyline Architectural Aluminium; Harmer Building Drainage; and Wade Building Drainage.
For more information call the Gatic team on 01787 475151 or visit https://www.alumascwms.co.uk
