Barking Reach - Rippleway Wharf Construction Operations

Mariners are advised that, on or about Monday 18th November 2024, contractors will commence construction works at Rippleway Wharf, Barking Creek. The construction works will involve demolition of the existing quay, piling, deck and fendering works. These works are expected to last until April 2025.  

To facilitate these works a crane barge will be positioned at Rippleway Wharf, which will be attended by various barges, tugs and safety boats. The works will take place in the area marked on the chartlet below, and in doing so will impede the use of the authorised channel by reporting vessels. 

All reporting vessels intending to transit Barking Creek must inform London VTS at least 24 hours in advance of their planned passage. Arrangements will then be made to clear the authorised channel. Reporting vessels must not enter Barking Creek or leave a berth within Barking Creek without prior permission on London VTS (full procedure outlined in NABSO 11-24).  

A tug will be in attendance to manoeuvre the barge at the works site. In addition to the dredge barge and tug, a safety boat and hopper barge may also be on site.   

At times during the works barges will be towed to and from the site and secured alongside. 

At times during the operation, any requirements to proceed with caution or at slow speed, will be made in accordance with the procedures set out in the Port of London Authority’s Port Information Guide, under ‘London VTS’, ‘Section 4’ with the International Code Flags ‘Romeo Yankee’ displayed, which are illustrated below.  

The display of these signals will be in addition to any other lights or shapes required under local regulations and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. 

Further details will be broadcast by London VTS on VHF Channel 14.