Vital work to replace hydraulic ram on Newhaven port’s Linkspan

Replacing a Hydraulic Ram is vital for our Newhaven-Dieppe ferries.

Work has been taking place behind the scenes at Newhaven Port to replace one of the hydraulic rams that power the Newhaven–Dieppe ferry linkspan.

While rarely noticed by passengers, the linkspan is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure at the port. It allows vehicles to drive safely on and off ferries at all states of tide by adjusting its height to meet the vessel’s deck during berthing and loading.

At the heart of this system are two large hydraulic rams that control the movement of the structure. As part of planned maintenance to keep the system operating reliably, the port team has begun a programme to replace and overhaul these components.

The operation required careful planning and coordination. Port Engineering Manager Kevin Holmes organised the project, with Maintenance Team Leader Kris James overseeing the work on site. The lift and installation involved several specialist partners including Coussens Cranes, 3RS, and HP Hydraulics, all working together to complete the task safely and efficiently.

One of the two hydraulic rams has now been successfully replaced, with the second scheduled to follow in the coming weeks.

Projects like this highlight the skilled engineering work that keeps the port running every day — ensuring the vital ferry connection between Newhaven and Dieppe continues to operate smoothly.