VolkerInfra – Portsmouth 33kV QEC

VolkerInfra – Portsmouth 33kV QEC

Project Overview

Following the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security review, the requirement was endorsed for the construction of two Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers, subsequently named HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. To support this programme, the seaborne access into Her Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, the vessels’ home port, must be improved in conjunction with the base’s support facilities.

VolkerStevin has been awarded the design and build contract to reconstruct the jetty and provide a dedicated 2 x high voltage electrical supplies, with associated transformation and frequency conversion shore support facilities and connectivity with the ship system.

Scope of Works

Acting on behalf of VolkerInfra (VolkerStevin’s sister company), to project manage the design and stakeholder interfaces and coordination between the MoD, SSE, Network Rail, Portsmouth City Council (PCC) and other local stakeholders for a new 33kV double circuit connection from Warblington Street Substation to the new primary intake substation within the Portsmouth Dockyard HMNB, to supply power to the new QEC carriers.

A Turnkey Construction Subcontract for the civil and cabling installation works, encompassing a 2km dual circuit ducted cable system, approximately half of the cable route progress along public highway within Portsmouth City Council and half progresses within the HMNB, 3 no. joint bays, installation of 2 x 33kV cable circuits installed into 180mm dia power ducts in trefoil formation, straight joints and substation terminations.

The works include traffic management and submission of applications notices and consent, within the public highway and the HMNB, public liaison, Network Rail consultation and 1no. Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) beneath the Naval Base Wall.