Two major marine deliveries arrived in Waterford this week, marking a pivotal stage in the construction of the new Sustainable Transport Bridge as part of the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project.

On Friday, May 17, the HEBO Lift 9, a seagoing floating sheerleg crane, arrived off the coast of Dunmore East and was towed into position by the tug Dutch Power. The HEBO 9 brings substantial heavy-lift capabilities to the project, with a maximum lifting capacity of 800 tonnes. Measuring approximately 67 metres in length and 27 metres in width, the crane is fitted with dynamic positioning systems to ensure precision during complex marine operations. Its primary role will be lifting and placing the prefabricated bridge spans across the River Suir.

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In the early hours of Sunday, May 19, the GPS Avenger, a Cypriot-flagged tug designed for long-distance marine towage, arrived on the River Suir towing the first set of steel bridge spans. These prefabricated sections will form part of the Sustainable Transport Bridge, providing a direct link between Waterford's city centre and the emerging North Quays development.

Both the crane and bridge spans are now staged at Frank Cassin Wharf in preparation for the next critical phase, which involves the precision lifting and installation of the bridge structure. Additional spans are en-route aboard the tug Anteos, which will complete the bridge elements ahead of full assembly.

These coordinated marine operations represent a major logistical and engineering achievement and set the stage for one of the most transformative infrastructure projects underway in the region.