Heligoland’s port facilities have grown over decades and today form a complex network of very different structures. For a long time, however, there was no systematic overview of their condition and necessary repairs. With the introduction of a structured structural inspection program, a reliable basis was created for the first time to regularly assess the condition of the infrastructure and strategically plan future measures. The client is the municipality of Heligoland, represented by Hafenprojektgesellschaft Helgoland.
Together with specialist planners, TePm developed a comprehensive inspection and monitoring system for all port structures. Regular inspection cycles, digital structure logbooks and a central control list ensure that the condition of the facilities is continuously recorded and evaluated. On this basis, we prepare results for administration and politics and derive recommendations for priorities, planning and possible renovation measures.
An important part of the project was also the processing and digitization of historical building documents. Old files and plans were viewed, digitized and transferred to new building books. The result is a reliable body of knowledge about the construction method, age and previous repairs of the facilities – an important basis for future decisions and planning.
In addition to the current condition of the structure, the long-term resilience of the infrastructure is increasingly coming into focus. As part of the system, the perspective of how well port facilities and shoreline structures are protected against rising sea levels and extreme weather events is therefore also being considered. The combination of structural monitoring, infrastructure maintenance and forward-looking adaptation to climatic changes creates a reliable basis for the future protection of Heligoland’s port facilities.
The added value lies above all in the new planning and decision-making capability. Damage is detected at an early stage, measures can be prioritized and budget funds can be used with foresight. At the same time, smaller repairs can be bundled in a targeted manner and awarded more economically. The structural inspection system thus forms a central basis for a long-term secure port infrastructure on Heligoland.
Image source: Falmstudios, Jakob Martens
