Bauer Technologies Supports Major Quay Wall Development at Belfast Harbour D3 Berth

Bauer Technologies has been appointed to provide specialist support to GRAHAM for the Belfast Harbour D3 Berth Development, a significant marine infrastructure project that will enhance port capacity and operational capability at one of the UK’s key logistics hubs. 

Commissioned by Belfast Harbour, the scheme involves the construction of a new combi wall quay structure, formed using over 100 driven tubular piles, ranging from 30 to 40 metres in length and 1829mm in diameter. 

Bauer Technologies’ role focuses on delivering relief drilling operations to facilitate the successful installation of the tubular piles to their required design depths. Working in close collaboration with GRAHAM, Bauer has drawn on previous project experience, in-house expert tool manufacturing,  and lessons learned during a test piling phase in November 2025, to refine and enhance its approach. 

Central to this development is the introduction of a newly engineered reaming tool, designed specifically to carry out relief drilling at a slightly larger diameter than the driven piles. This innovation is expected to significantly improve installation efficiency and reduce potential obstructions during piling operations, supporting a smoother and more reliable construction process. 

The project will also include a later phase involving the installation of 24 dolphin piles, with works undertaken from a jack-up barge, further demonstrating the technical complexity and marine engineering expertise required across the scheme. 

Commenting on the project, Bauer Technologies’ Managing Director, John Theos, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting GRAHAM on this strategically important project at Belfast Harbour. Schemes like this highlight the value of early collaboration and applying lessons learned to refine delivery on site. It also demonstrates how Bauer leverages its global network to adapt and deploy proven solutions, including tooling successfully used on projects in Eastern Europe.

The development of the reaming solution is a good example of how targeted innovation can improve efficiency while supporting more sustainable outcomes, enabling the project team to retain the original design approach and maximise the use of existing materials.”

This project highlights Bauer Technologies’ capability to deliver innovative, practical solutions within complex marine environments, supporting major infrastructure developments while maintaining a clear commitment to efficiency, collaboration, and sustainable construction practices.

Bauer Technologies is part of BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH, a global construction company  specialising in complex and specialist foundation works, with its head office based in the town of Schrobenhausen, Germany.

BAUER Technologies Ltd is the 100% owned UK subsidiary of BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH, the contracting company within the BAUER Group, and is the only geotechnical contractor in the world accredited with BRE BES 6001 sustainability certification [November 2021].

BAUER is known the world over as a leader in advanced deep foundation techniques. Whether it is the manufacture of specialised equipment, giving specific advice or performing the site works, BAUER is highly regarded world-wide by both consultants and contractors as the perfect partner in deep foundation projects.