Dura Composites GRP grating installed at Shepperton Marina

Dura Composites’ (Essex, U.K.) anti-slip, mini-mesh glass-reinforced polymer (GRP) grating has been successfully installed at the Shepperton Marina, by Walcon Marine (Fareham, U.K.). Based in Middlesex, the marine is placed as a base for both upper and lower Thames cruising and was recently shortlisted for the TYHA UK Inland Marina of the Year Awards. Open seven days a week, the marina provides a range of secure moorings with electricity and water, as well as large servicing and repair workshops.

In Aug. 2021, Shepperton opened its new berthing concept, known as “The Island.” The addition to Basin D features 26 new berths, accommodating vessels from 10-14 meters, set amongst a large circular pontoon area featuring Dura Composites’ Dura Grating Mini-Mesh product in the color Sand.

Supplied to Walcon Marine, Dura Grating is said to be the safest, strongest, fastest and most proven grating on the market. The composite grating is strong, durable and the anti-slip surface is tested to withstand even the wettest, oiliest and iciest conditions, Dura Composites contends, thus ensuring a safe and highly durable walkway that enables marina access throughout the year.

Dura Grating products are available in a range of thicknesses and mesh sizes (many with a Class B fire rating). They are easy to handle and require little to no maintenance over the course of their life cycle, ensuring a non-corrosive surface that comes with a 25-year warranty.

“We chose the composite Dura Grating for this project for a number of reasons, mainly the safety, low maintenance and aesthetic aspects,” Lisa Harris of Shepperton Marine says. “During the colder months when pontoons can become icy or slippery, the composite grating surface remains safe for our staff and customers to walk on. In my opinion, from a health and safety point of view, you can’t beat it!

“Thanks to the the successful installation of our new ‘Island Berths,’ we have now established a complete pontoon decking replacement program where we will replace timber with GRP Dura Grating,” Harris continues. “And which we expect to be completed in the next couple of years.”