SFA piling for cement terminal at Sheerness Docks, Isle of Sheppey.

Cannon Piling began work on a technically demanding project at Sheerness Docks on the Isle of

Sheppey. The scope involved installing 551 no. 450mm diameter sectional flight auger (SFA) piles to support a new cement terminal within an existing warehouse. The works included piling for containment walls, outload pits and silos.

Working within a live dockyard, the project posed significant logistical and technical challenges. Cannon’s value-engineered solution involved piles up to 25 metres deep 450mm diameter SFA piles, installed under headroom constraints of up to 11 metres. Particularly complex was the installation of 13 no. piles using the SM4 rig in areas with only 4.5 metres of clearance, all within the tight confines of the existing structure. The client relied on Cannon’s ability to deliver on time and with precision. Despite the constraints of an operational dock, the programme was successfully completed in just seven weeks.

Aarsleff’s in-house design team supported the works with detailed planning, using just-in-time sequencing to coordinate muck-away and concrete deliveries. This careful logistics management minimised disruption and ensured smooth progress on site.

By overcoming spatial and operational constraints, the Cannon and Aarsleff team added significant value to the scheme, demonstrating its expertise in delivering complex piling solutions within live industrial environments.