JF Subtech divers supported the Canal & River Trust with urgent underwater canal works in urban areas across the UK, including London, Leeds and Doncaster.

Location: 

Tower Hamlets

Location: 

Leeds Lock

Location: 

Doncaster Lock

Project completed: 

7 September 2022

Project completed: 

13 September 2022

Project completed: 

14 September 2022

Project scope: 

Blocked lock gate debris clearance

Project scope: 

Stop plank groove, silt level check and lock chamber inspection

Project scope: 

Sluice chamber inspection


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The challenge

  • Our popular waterways and canals can sometimes experience build-up of debris and silt at key locations, especially lock gates, sluices and weirs.
  • An excessive build-up of silt and debris can lead to inoperable lock gates which become a hazard to navigation and stop leisure users enjoying the waterway.
  • A wide variety of craft, from large wide beam vessels to narrowboats, utilise these canals daily, highlighting the importance for a quick response to any possible inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM).
  • Visibility underwater for divers can be extremely limited, requiring experience and to use touch to successfully complete the IRM operations.

The solution

  • JF Subtech divers were tasked at short notice to support with the IRM of three canal locations and arrived onsite.
  • The team worked closely with the Canal & River Trust engineers, from planning to delivery, to ensure a smooth operation and high level of safety at all three sites

The results and benefits

  • The canals at each location were successfully inspected or repaired at a fast pace by the experienced JF Subtech divers, ensuring they were operational again for canal and leisure users.
  • Any blockages were safely removed and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner to help reduce the risk to wildlife and the environment.
  • We continue to be a close partner with the Canal & River Trust to maintain the tranquillity, accessibility and history of our waterways.
James Fisher Subtech
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