Astra Site Services has deployed its biggest underwater breaker solution on a project in London.

The A-Plant specialist division selected the Soosan SB121 to fit an 80t long-reach excavator by Ovenden Earthmoving.

It is currently being used on the Thames to dismantle a partially sunken pontoon at the Deptford waterfront development, Convoy Wharf. 

Josie Mann, Hire Manager at Astra, explained: "This is the largest breaker for underwater working Astra has supplied to date, which meant we were faced with a variety of challenges from sourcing suitable brackets to sourcing a bespoke compressor line and fitting to a specially adapted excavator in the centre of London. 

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"Any prolonged period of underwater working presents a considerable strain on a breaker so we brought in our senior engineers who spent a full day on site, fitting, checking and testing the breaker in preparation for its mammoth task."

The equipment worked successfully and Josie believes the project demonstrates the lengths the company is prepared to go to in order to provide tailored, unique solutions that meet customer expectations. 

She continued: "The project, which is still ongoing, has been a huge achievement for the team. Not only were we able to supply and install specially fabricated equipment within days of receiving instruction from the client, we have also proven that we have the knowledge and expertise to commit to such a project and carry it out with ease."

(CM/MH)