Fowey Pontoon Case Study

Prior to using recycled plastic in these applications, vast quantities of wood were used at the port. However, the wet, salt-water environment caused the wood to rot, making replacement necessary approximately every two years. When wood rots, bolts can protrude, potentially causing damage to boats docking at the quayside. To reduce both purchasing and labour costs, products made from recycled plastic were sourced and, over the course of the past three years, the majority of the wood at the port has been replaced by recycled plastic.

The results speak for themselves. As well as providing a rot-free alternative to wood in often harsh, wet conditions, the recycled plastic has not shown any signs of damage.

Fowey Harbour is a large commercial port with over 7000 yachts, cruise ships and fishing vessels docking each season. Over the past three years, Purchasing Manager, Danny Murphy, has specified more than 1000 metres of recycled plastic for various applications around the port including pontoons, walkways, and fendering for boats and quaysides.

Prior to using recycled plastic in these applications, timber was the only alternative considered by the Harbour Office. However, the wet, salt-water environment caused the timber to rot, so it was necessary to replace the timber approximately every two years. When timber rots, bolts can protrude, potentially causing damage to boats docking at the quayside. To reduce both purchasing and labour costs, Danny looked to identify an alternative to the timber.

The Harbour Commissioner’s environmental policy identifies using recycled products where possible as a commitment and, over the course of the past three years, has replaced the majority of the timber at the port with recycled plastic.

The results speak for themselves. As well as providing a rot-free alternative to timber in often harsh, wet conditions, the recycled plastic has not shown any signs of damage. The Harbour Authority believes that the recycled plastic provides a cost effective long-term solution to the problems associated with timber and continues to identify further opportunities to use the products throughout the port. All replacement or new pontoons have recycled plastic decking.