South Hook LNG Terminal

Concrete, steel, coral: a respectful cohabitation

At the South Hook LNG Terminal in Milford Haven, BESIX constructed a 2-kilometre jetty capable of simultaneously accommodating two of the world’s largest LNG carriers. The project was executed with a strong commitment to the environment, particularly in preserving the delicate marine ecosystem and coral populations on the seabed.

Project overview

Situated on the site of a former ESSO refinery in Milford Haven, the South Hook LNG Terminal plays a vital role in the UK’s energy infrastructure, handling approximately 20% of the country’s natural gas imports. BESIX was entrusted with the design, construction, and equipping of a state-of-the-art jetty over 2 kilometres long, featuring two docking areas for Qmax LNG carriers. The project required the demolition and rehabilitation of existing marine structures, all while operating in an ecologically sensitive marine environment.

Scope of work

BESIX was responsible for:

Demolishing and rehabilitating former berthing and mooring structures
Designing and constructing a dual-berth jetty over 2 km in length
Deploying heavy marine equipment, including one of Europe’s largest floating cranes and four jack-up platforms
Implementing environmentally sensitive construction methods to protect marine life

The project demanded a high level of precision and care due to the presence of coral and other marine flora and fauna.

Key highlights

Environmental innovation: BESIX adapted its dismantling and construction techniques - such as pile drilling and shotcreting - to minimize ecological disruption.
Marine ecosystem preservation: Special attention was given to protecting coral populations, with engineers designing methods to reduce the seabed footprint of anchors and barge piles.
Engineering excellence: The jetty accommodates two Qmax LNG carriers simultaneously, showcasing BESIX’s capacity to deliver large-scale, high-performance marine infrastructure.

Proof of BESIX’s expertise in the difficult conditions of needing to preserve a marine ecosystem.