Outstrays to Skeffling Managed Realignment Scheme
As part of a multi-million-pound flood defence and habitat creation programme on the Humber Estuary, Ivor King was appointed by JN Bentley to deliver specialist piling works for two new pumping stations at Winestead and Skeffling.
The Outstrays to Skeffling Managed Realignment Scheme (OtSMRS), led by the Environment Agency in partnership with Associated British Ports, is a landmark project designed to realign existing flood embankments and create approximately 225 hectares of new inter-tidal habitat along the Humber’s north bank. In addition to delivering significant environmental and carbon sequestration benefits, the scheme will improve flood resilience and support the long-term protection of more than 400,000 people living within the Humber floodplain.
Skeffling Pumping Station
At Skeffling, Ivor King installed 123 pairs of ArcelorMittal AZ38/AZ40-700 Z-profile steel sheet piles, up to 15 metres in length, together with 12 circular hollow section (CHS) tubular piles reaching depths of up to 18 metres. These elements formed a key part of the new pumping station structure and wider flood alleviation works.
Installation was carried out using a Telescopic Leader Rig fitted with a vibratory hammer, ensuring precise alignment and adherence to strict engineering tolerances. The works were completed with bespoke steel capping beams, designed and fabricated by Ivor King, providing a robust and durable finish to the piling installation.
Winestead Pumping Station
Approximately two and a half miles along the estuary at Winestead, Ivor King delivered a similar but larger piling solution for the replacement of the existing Outstrays Pumping Station at the end of Winestead Drain.
The scope of works included the supply and installation of 188 crimped pairs of AZ36/AZ40-700 sheet piles, up to 16 metres in length, to form the primary retaining walls of the new pumping station chambers. In addition, 24 tubular bearing piles and 64 universal steel columns were installed to support crane pads and pump equipment foundations.
All piling works were undertaken using one of Ivor King’s RTG RG21T Telescopic Leader Rig. Minor welding and cutting operations were completed on site, with a capping beam also added at this location to finalise the installation.
Sustainable delivery
To support the project’s strong environmental objectives, Ivor King specified ArcelorMittal’s Eco Sheet Pile Plus range across both sites. Manufactured using 100% recycled steel and renewable energy, the product significantly reduced embodied carbon while maintaining the performance required for critical flood defence infrastructure.
With decades of experience delivering piling solutions for water and flood resilience projects, Ivor King continues to support complex, environmentally sensitive schemes across the UK—backed by one of the most advanced piling fleets in the industry and a highly skilled team of professionals.
