Waves Group Supports Successful Decommissioning of Royal Sovereign Lighthouse for Trinity House
The Royal Sovereign Lighthouse was the UK’s only true offshore lighthouse structure, designed and constructed to be founded directly on the seabed. Located in the English Channel, approximately six nautical miles southeast of Eastbourne, the lighthouse became operational in 1971 and represented ground-breaking offshore civil engineering technology at the time.
At the time of its construction, it was considered a vital navigational aid, protecting shipping from the Royal Sovereign Shoal and guiding vessels through the English Channel. However, with the introduction of the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme, its importance lessened as vessels at risk from the shoal were diverted further into the Channel.
The lighthouse had reached the end of its 50-year design life. Trinity House, having monitored its condition over the last decade, observed expected deterioration due to the harsh marine environment. In the interests of maritime safety, the decision was taken to decommission the structure.
Waves Group Appointed as Technical Consultant
Waves Group was appointed in 2019 as Trinity House’s consulting engineers for the decommissioning project. The successful completion of the works marks the end of a five-year journey, during which Waves Group maintained the same core project team throughout.
We brought the full strength of our experienced, multi-disciplinary team to this challenging project, including maritime civil engineers, naval architects, master mariners, structural engineers and digital experts.
Before appointing a decommissioning contractor, Waves Group advised Trinity House on a wide range of considerations, including risk mitigation, costings, environmental factors, safety, contract form, scope, tender evaluation, and project management.
Following the award of the decommissioning contract in 2023, Waves Group acted as Client Representative for Trinity House, as well as Principal Designer under the CDM 2015 Regulations. During the decommissioning works phase, Waves Group was responsible for reviewing all contractor documentation, monitoring progress and safety, and providing onsite representation on behalf of Trinity House.
Decommissioning Phase One: Lantern and Platform Removal
Working closely with Trinity House, the Principal Decommissioning Contractor, and the Marine Warranty Surveyor, we helped achieve a successful outcome for the project’s first phase in late 2023. This included the removal of the iconic lantern tower, followed by the cutting and lifting of the 1,000-tonne concrete accommodation platform structure. The lift was executed using the powerful Scaldis vessel Gulliver, with a lifting capacity of 4,000 tonnes, on 1 October 2023.
Preservation and Sustainable Demolition
The lantern tower has been preserved to feature in a future maritime heritage centre to be constructed in Bexhill-on-Sea. The heavily reinforced accommodation platform was transported to the Port of Shoreham, where it was carefully demolished. The materials were recycled for use in the construction industry, reflecting the sustainable and environmentally conscious approach taken throughout the project.
Decommissioning Phase Two: Pillar Removal
The second phase of the decommissioning began in 2024 and involved the removal and demolition of the pillar structure. For reasons including environmental impact, cost, and safety, Trinity House opted to leave the caisson base on the seabed. The pillar – rising 27 metres from the caisson base to the underside of the platform – was cut into segments and removed using diamond wire cutting techniques and the contractor’s large jack-up platform. These concrete sections were again brought to the Port of Shoreham for careful demolition and recycling.
Successful Project Completion
A final bathymetric survey, confirming the full pillar removal in accordance with the contract requirements, was accepted in February 2025, officially marking the completion of the works. Waves Group is pleased to confirm that the decommissioning was completed on time and within Trinity House’s approved budget.
“This project demonstrates the value of long-term collaboration and deep technical expertise in delivering complex offshore engineering projects safely and sustainably. We are proud to have played a key role in this historic decommissioning.”
Gavin Dickson, Associate Director – Maritime Civil Engineer, Waves Group
If you’re planning a marine infrastructure, decommissioning, or offshore engineering project, contact a member of the team at Waves Group to see how we can support your goals.
