Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal

Project Challenges

As a high-traffic coastal transport hub, Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal faces relentless exposure to saltwater spray, high winds, and seasonal rain. Over time, these conditions degrade traditional roofing materials and compromise glazing seals, leading to water ingress risks.

Key challenges included:

Complex Access Requirements: High-level glass panes required specialised positioning equipment without blocking foot traffic or ferry passenger lanes.

Hidden Thermal Defects: Moisture entrapment underneath slate and roof sections was undetectable through visual inspection alone.

Public Safety Management: Loose roofing elements required immediate containment while live operations continued below.

Our Solution

Our team executed a multi-stage approach utilising multi-disciplinary teams across aerial survey, slating, and specialist access divisions.

1.Thermal Assessment
Non-invasive aerial diagnostic.

Deployed high-resolution Radiometric Thermal Drone Surveys to scan the entire building envelope. The infrared diagnostics identified thermal anomalies, moisture ingress, and structural heat loss across slates and glass joins without setup risks or costly scaffolding.

2.Immediate Stabilisation
Urgent make-safe protocol.

Conducted priority Make Safe Works to secure compromised overhead materials, removing immediate risks to passengers and terminal staff before full remediation began.

3.Roofing & Drainage Repairs
Slating and rainwater management.

Cleared heavy debris accumulation from all gutters to ensure uninterrupted rainwater run-off. Completed targeted slate repairs using matching natural slates to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic continuity.

4.Specialist Glazing Refurbishment
High-level MEWP access.

Utilised a specialist Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) to safely access high-level roof glass panes. Stripped perished exterior rubber gaskets, thoroughly cleaned down frame channels, and installed high-grade marine-resistant dynamic seals.

5.Site Clearance & Handover
Complete environmental cleanup.

Gathered and safe-disposed all redundant gasket material, moss, slate debris, and maintenance waste, leaving the terminal operational and fully weather-tight.

Deliverables & Results

Through a combination of non-invasive aerial technology and hands-on maintenance, the project achieved key structural and operational outcomes for the terminal:

• Defect Mapping: Utilising a Radiometric Thermal Drone Inspection, our team precisely identified micro-leaks and structural heat loss across the building envelope without needing temporary scaffolding or physical impact on the structure.
• Glazing Restoration: Deploying specialist MEWP access allowed for complete gasket replacement along the high-level glass canopy, successfully sealing overhead panes against severe coastal rain and driving winds.
• Structural Safety: Targeted slating and immediate make-safe interventions eliminated falling object hazards, ensuring total safety across high-traffic passenger zones.
• Site Integrity: Comprehensive gutter cleaning and waste clearance restored proper drainage, preventing future overflow leaks while leaving the site pristine.

By combining modern drone thermography with traditional steeplejacking and specialist MEWP capability, we successfully extended the life of the terminal’s building envelope while safeguarding daily passenger traffic.