Ship Impact Protection

Queensferry Crossing
 
Protection from potential ship impacts was carefully considered during the design of the Queensferry Crossing. The main shipping channel is between the south and centre towers, so the south tower and the nearest south approach viaduct pier had additional strengthening incorporated during the construction process. The centre tower is founded on Beamer Rock, and this acts as a natural protection.

Forth Road Bridge

The Forth Road Bridge had pier defences installed in the 1990s, in the form of rock filled cellular cofferdams around the main towers.

Forth Bridge

The structural design of the Forth Bridge allows greater redistribution of loading in the event of damage. Each cantilever is supported on four robust caissons filled with concrete and granite, which are further protected by natural rock features both above and below the waterline. 

The largest ships which pass under the bridge do so under rigorously controlled conditions, with multiple tugs in attendance. 

To aid shipping movements we have navigation lights installed across the bridge, operated and maintained by Network Rail, indicating the shipping channels and the routes which vessels should take underneath. The port authority also notifies Network Rail in advance of large vessels which are due to transit the bridge, to allow for the cessation of any maintenance activities that could impact on the shipping lane.