As part of a major infrastructure and modernisation project at the Ocean Terminal in Greenock, Peel Ports was faced with upgrading an aging and deteriorating quayside crane rail system. The existing infrastructure needed to be brought up to standards that would comply with the operating tolerances required for two new £25 million ship-to-shore cranes. Initial surveys and assessments revealed that simple remedial works would not suffice – a full redesign and re-rail was necessary.

This represented a significant challenge as:
• The port remained operational throughout the project
• The terminal handles approximately one-third of all containers entering Scotland
• Work needed to be completed in phases to minimise disruption
• The project was part of the largest single investment for the container terminal since operations began in 1969.

The Gantrail Solution
Rapid Rail, the lead contractor for this project, subcontracted Gantrail specifically for the supply of critical components including clips, pads, sole plates, and anchor bolts. The Gantrail system was specified for this critical infrastructure project due to its proven reliability and specialised design capabilities.

Working closely with installation partner Rapid Rail, Gantrail provided:
• High-performance crane rail components engineered to meet the precise specifications of the new ship-to-shore cranes
• Technical expertise from tender stage through to delivery
• Consistent quality materials with reliable lead times
• Assistance in providing a specialised galvanised angle design incorporated into the system to allow for concrete reinstatement as required by the client.

Implementation
The project was executed in carefully planned phases to accommodate the operational requirements of the busy port facility. Rapid Rail managed the installation process, working through challenging Scottish winter conditions while maintaining strict construction timelines. The full replacement of the quayside rails began in late 2023, with teams navigating unexpected site issues typical of major infrastructure projects.

Jamie McGilvray, Director at Rapid Rail comments “Working at a busy Port always brings challenges and it has been no different working at Clydeport. We began the full replacement of the quayside rails in late 2023 and have had to contend with the Scottish winter, tight construction programmes and the unexpected site issues that major projects throw up. Working with Gantrail has once again provided us with the continuity in service and specialist products that we have come to expect. We have worked together closely from tender stage on the technical aspects of the project through to delivery, and the quality of the materials and lead times have always been consistently good. This has allowed us to be able to effectively plan our resources and installation timescales – resulting in another successful project installing Gantrail products.”

The Benefits
The modernised crane rail system has successfully:

• Future-proofed the port’s operations
• Enhanced capacity to meet increased demand from cargo owners
• Supported economic and employment opportunities in the Inverclyde area
• Prepared the terminal for the integration of new state-of-the-art cranes
• Been delivered within budget and agreed timescales

James McSporran, Director of Clydeport at Peel Ports Group agrees, “The arrival of our new cranes later this year represents a really important milestone in the history of Clydeport. They will be key in future-proofing the port, as well as helping us meet increased demand from cargo owners and fostering continued economic and employment opportunities in the Inverclyde area.”

“Gantrail is committed to building successful industry partnerships and this project is a great example of this” says Malcolm Gray, Gantrail Estimating and Contracts Director. “Being invited by Rapid Rail to participate in the project is indeed flattering and gave us the opportunity to bring our experience and knowledge to aid in the execution of the overall project to the client’s satisfaction.”

• Download the Clydeport Ocean Terminal Case Study