(SFP) in April 1983, the first phase of which included a 269m x 67m x 50m high covered construction hall (Devonshire Dock Hall or DDH) with adjacent offices, workshops and services, and a rail mounted transfer system leading out to a 24000-tonnes capacity shiplift. This work was completed by 1986.
Subsequent major civil engineering development phases included a roller guidance system installed through the narrows of Michaelson Bridge, a widened entrance from Buccleuch Dock to Ramsden Dock, and a new berth for final provisioning. New dock gates and widening and deepening of the seaboard docks entrance completed the preparations to ensure that the Vanguard. Class would have safe passage through the docks, over the cill and out to sea.
