The challenge
The Deepwater Jetty at the Port of Holyhead is a critical berth for cruise vessels and other cargo purposes, including offshore wind farm support, contributing over £4.75 million annually to the Welsh economy. When the ageing structure required a full inspection, Haskoning was engaged to assess its condition and recommend remediation works.
The scope was extensive: 400 piles, 5 kilometres of beams, 82 crossheads, and 4,000 square metres of deck soffit. Traditional inspection methods were costly, weather-dependent, and logistically complex due to the jetty’s exposed tidal location. Beyond structural integrity, the project aimed to safeguard a key maritime asset that supports tourism, local businesses, and regional development.
The solution
To overcome inspection constraints and align with sustainability goals, Haskoning proposed a digital-first approach. A drone survey captured 35,000 high-resolution photographs over three days, which were processed into a precise 3D mesh model. This enabled engineers and stakeholders to inspect the structure remotely via a browser-based interface, without stepping on-site or requiring specialist hardware.
This marked Haskoning’s first fully remote jetty inspection. Engineers could zoom into specific areas, retrieve source images, and log defects directly in the platform. Integrated reporting tools streamlined documentation, while real-time access enabled collaborative review and faster decision-making.
Compared to traditional methods requiring five weeks and multiple engineers, the digital workflow completed the inspection in just two weeks with one engineer and one graduate engineer, saving 60% in time and significantly reducing labour costs. The remote solution also reduced carbon emissions and enhanced safety, setting a new benchmark for maritime infrastructure inspections.