The Port of Dover specialises in the handling, storing and freight forwarding of temperature-controlled commodities and, to ensure that they protect their business interests, a new, multi-purpose refrigerated cargo terminal (RCT) is under construction. The development of the RCT is a vital element of the large redevelopment project that is focused on Dover’s dock area. 

The project is called the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) and will result in a greatly transformed Dover waterfront and new marina pier with the aim of bringing new shops, bars and restaurants to sit against Dover’s historical backdrop of the harbour, famous White Cliffs and castle. As well as the more recreational element, the DWDR will also see the relocation and continued development of Dover’s cargo business with the creation of a new cargo terminal and distribution centre. The DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with around £250 million invested in the first phase. Financial projections indicate that the port will be handling goods worth up to £122 billion, which represents up to 17% of UK trade in goods.

The Challenge

The objective of the redevelopment project is to manage projected increases in cargo volume and also to drive and facilitate growth of the cargo sector. The building is a 9,630 sqm facility designed to facilitate temperature-controlled storage, housing state-of-the-art facilities including eight chambers, each with an individually controlled temperature capability of between +1 and +14 degrees Celsius (+/-1C).  Tekta were originally approached by the architects for the scheme to come up with a suitable solution for the loading bays and various other doorways throughout the building.

The Solution

We were awarded the contract to deliver all doors in the project, including 20 loading bays. As well as loading bay equipment such as Prodok telescopic dock levellers and Prodok inflatable shelters, wheel guides and wheel chocks, we recommended sectional overhead doors as they deliver both the insulation values, and the functionality that the project requires. 

Rollashield SD sectional doors work to keep all types of weather at bay while delivering on insulation and efficiency, in terms of both operations and in energy costs. Panels achieve a U-value of 0.51 W/m2K which means that a fully installed 5m x 5m door will achieve a U-value of around 0.9 W/m2K, while an upgrade to an 80mm panel gives a U-value of 0.24 W/m2K. Often used in the development of chilled distribution centres, the Rollashield provides Class 2 air-permeability, which can also be upgraded to Class 4. For the ultimate in flexibility, the Rollashield SD comes with the option of manual or motorised operation to complement a variety of control methods. They are therefore a superb choice for external doorways when the need for climate control is paramount.

The Results

In the cold chambers we installed multiple Rapidor Pro high speed doors with a wind load upgrade, and also Thermidor hinged chiller doors to both internal and external doorways.  In some locations we used the Rollashield CD compact door which provides the insulation value of a sectional door but requires the headroom of a roller shutter – in this case required due to the location of air curtain units above the doorways.  Other products supplied included multiple Armasecure hinged steel doors and Pyrodoor FD fire shutters.

Tekta UK takes aesthetics seriously and understands that, while also being functional to the highest of standards, the doors must fit in with the overall look of the facility. To this end, the 25-micron stucco finish comes in a choice of colours, including Ivory, Sunset Red, Gentian Blue and Silver, which we felt fit the setting perfectly.

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