Fibrelite was approached by an OEM who provides Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems, to quote for this large leisure cruise terminal upgrade project. The end user had previously considered Ductile Iron covers to cover the troughs housing the HV power cables and associated fixtures for their newly acquired OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system, but due to the weight of these covers and the need for specialised lifting equipment, the end user turned to Fibrelite for a solution.

Key Requirements  

• Initially, the end user had explored Ductile Iron covers as a potential covering solution.
• The additional overheads associated with this material proposal, including the provision of specialised training for operatives and heavy duty lifting apparatus – resulted in this being ruled out.
• F900 (90 tonne) load rated trench covers were required to cope with extremely heavy and slow moving sea port traffic.
• Industrial scale – trench covers required to cover 500 metres of precast concrete trough trench units.
• In order to accommodate frequent access to power supply, trench covers had to be light enough for safe manual removal.
• Dozens of varying custom sized covers were required to suit the trench configuration.

The Fibrelite Solution

• From design/specification through to delivery/installation, the Fibrelite team assisted the customer to ensure this made-to-measure solution would perform exactly as specified.
• Fit for purpose – Fibrelite custom-engineered and manufactured F900 load-rated GRP composite trench covers suitable for extremely heavy and slow-moving seaport traffic.
• Corrosion-resistant covers to resist constant exposure to saltwater.
• Industrial scale supply capacity – delivery schedule for hundreds of bespoke trench covers agreed upon with the customer and upheld by Fibrelite.
• The Fibrelite trench covers supplied (65Kg) were approximately 82% lighter than the proposed Ductile Iron covers.
• Fibrelite GRP trench covers stepped 117mm to 150mm, to provide increased stiffness and reduced unit weight, which was lightweight enough for safe manual handling, which in turn ensures operatives can safely gain access to trench services as frequently as required.
• Dozens of varying custom sized covers delivered as per client specification.

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