The Locks and Docks regeneration programme at HM Naval Base Portsmouth continues to progress strongly, reinforcing the base’s critical role in supporting the Royal Navy’s operational capability.
The two-year programme was formally launched earlier this year by KBS Maritime with the successful relocation of the D Lock West caisson to its outer stop. This marked the start of a major transformation aimed at future-proofing one of the UK’s most important naval facilities. Over the summer, teams completed the complex removal of more than 500 tonnes of contaminated silt from D Lock, a critical step delivered in close partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence.
Subsequent works at D Lock have included the replacement of nearly 600 metres of edge protection handrails, significantly improving safety, alongside extensive brickwork repairs within the 17-metre-deep lock chamber to safeguard the structure’s long-term integrity. Further upgrades are planned for early 2026, including enlargement of the sonar pit to enhance dry-dock capability, followed by replacement of penstocks and levellers to improve flooding and draining efficiency by May 2026.
At B Lock, progress is also advancing, with new handrails and removable barrier systems installed as part of a base-wide safety standard. Upcoming works will focus on silt removal and detailed condition surveys at the lock bottom, informing the next phase of civil engineering activity, while maintenance teams continue repairs to the upper lock structure.
The regeneration programme represents a major investment in Portsmouth’s naval infrastructure, delivered with key partners including Mackley and Suttle Projects, ensuring the base remains fully capable of supporting current and future Royal Navy operations.
