Harwich Train Ferry Berth
Harwich Train Ferry Berth
The train ferry berth at Harwich was erected in 1923 by the London and North Eastern Railway, utilising components from Navy train ferry berths constructed at Richborough and Southampton in 1917, probably by Armstrong Whitworth and Company Ltd of Newcastle-upon Tyne, to designs by the Inland Water Transport and Docks (IWTD) Department of the Royal Engineers. After the war it was taken to Harwich, where it was converted to enable carriages to be shunted onto specially built ferries, creating the first direct passenger rail link to the continent.
Disused since 1987, the berth has three parts: a hinged-bridge element, a gantry to adjust its gradient and one very long arm projecting into the sea. In the light of proposed schemes to convert the old port for leisure uses as a marina, we provided structural and heritage advice.
We advised on the condition of the structure and its maintenance requirements; examined how feasible it would be to move it to an alternative location; and addressed how these issues and the emerging site masterplan could affect its special interest as an historic structure.
Client: Hutchison Ports UK