James Watt Dock

Why The Balmore Group Was Chosen

When it came time to undertake essential structural repairs to this towering crane, The Balmore Group was selected to lead the works. With a strong reputation for difficult access and high-level structural repairs and specialist rope access services, we were uniquely positioned to carry out this high-risk project safely, efficiently and to the highest standards of quality.

Scope of Works

The project involved multiple complex elements, all of which had to be executed with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment and ongoing port operations.

Key tasks included:
• Full rope access services across the cantilever crane structure – eliminating the need for scaffolding or powered platforms.
• Replacement of corroded and damaged steel sections, reinforcing the crane’s main structural components.
• Inspection and reinforcement of key load-bearing joints and brackets using non-intrusive methods.
• Cleaning and preparation of surfaces for long-term protection against coastal weathering.
• Ensuring compliance with heritage and structural preservation guidelines, in collaboration with engineering consultants and local authorities.

As one of the UK’s leading difficult access specialists, we bring a depth of experience, technical precision and safety-first mindset to every high-access project. Our rope access technicians are IRATA-certified and undergo continuous training to work safely in extreme environments, whether that’s over water, at height or within confined spaces.

Rope access meant there was no need for scaffolding, keeping the dock operational and visually unobstructed. Without the need for heavy equipment or long-term scaffold erection, costs were reduced and timelines shortened.
Working at height, over open water, demands strict adherence to safety protocols. Our team’s experience ensured the project was delivered with zero incidents. With a track record in industrial maintenance, bridge refurbishment and heritage structure conservation, our team our experienced in historic restoration projects like this and knew exactly how to approach the crane’s specific structural vulnerabilities, taking extra care to ensure all structural repairs maintained the crane’s historical authenticity.

Challenges Overcome

The crane’s riverside location presented considerable access and environmental challenges, including:
• Exposure to high winds and changing weather conditions
• Structural instability in key areas due to prolonged corrosion
• Limited access from the dockside, necessitating vertical and overhead movement strategies
Using our rope access services, fall arrest gear and high-level rigging equipment, we were able to safely access even the most remote areas of the crane safely and securely.

Project Outcome

Thanks to the work from our team, the James Watt Dock Crane remains standing strong, restored, reinforced and ready to face the future as a key part of Greenock’s skyline. Our involvement in this project reaffirms our standing as one of the UK’s go-to specialists for high-access and structural refurbishment work, particularly in heritage and marine environments where conventional methods fall short.

If you would like to know more about this project or similar rope access works we have completed across the country, please contact us today.