Sarens recently played a pivotal role in the installation of the Middle Dock Pedestrian Bridge in London’s iconic Canary Wharf district, contributing to the Eden Dock Activation project. This is a key part of the area’s broader urban greening initiative. The bridge, which enhances access across the dock, now forms part of a series of floating terraces and landscaped public spaces designed to reconnect people with the water.

Working on behalf of Victor Buyck Steel Construction and under the direction of Canary Wharf Contractors, Sarens was responsible for the full mobilisation, load out, transport, and installation of the bridge. The structure itself is an impressive 56,3 metre long, 185T pedestrian bridge, moved from its assembly point at Park Place to its final position spanning the Middle Dock.

To carry out this complex operation, Sarens deployed two 5 axle TII KAMAG K2400ST SPMTs and a modular barge system made up of fifteen pontoon containers provided by MPS. As the Middle Dock is no longer connected to the River Thames, modular barges were the only suitable method. These were delivered by road in ten 40 foot and five 20-foot containers and assembled on site to form a barge measuring 30,5 by 12,2 metres.

One of the main challenges during planning was the height difference between the quay where the bridge was loaded out and the final installation location. Increasing the barge size or height was not an option due to space constraints, water depth, and quay levels. Sarens proposed lowering the water level in the dock by approximately one metre once the barge was in position. This required extra time but proved to be the most efficient solution. With support from the client, additional pumps were mobilised to lower the water over 48 hours, making the installation possible.

Once the barge was ready and the SPMTs assembled, the bridge was loaded out and transported across the dock with assistance from three small tugs — Theo, Geo, and Challis — supplied by Taska Marine. The voyage from Park Place to the installation location was conducted with precision, navigating confined spaces and maintaining close coordination throughout.

In total, 23 trucks transported all equipment to the site from across Europe. At peak, a dedicated crew of 13 managed operations, including the project manager, engineers, operators, and support staff from both Sarens and the client. Their combined efforts ensured the successful completion of a technically demanding operation.

With Sarens SMB barges unavailable, support from MPS was essential. Their team assisted not only with providing the modular pontoons but also with on site assembly. The final result is a new bridge that serves as both a practical connection and a visual centrepiece, enhancing the liveability and accessibility of one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.