Offshore engineering project recognised for innovation
Published: 24 June, 2026
Herbosch-Kiere has announced it has been awarded the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South East England Award for Best Infrastructure Project (Large) 2026 for its successful delivery of the Royal Sovereign Lighthouse Decommissioning Project, one of the UK's most technically challenging recent offshore engineering schemes.
The prestigious award recognises engineering excellence, innovation, sustainability and community impact, celebrating projects that deliver lasting benefits while addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Located approximately seven miles off the East Sussex coast, the Royal Sovereign Lighthouse had served as a vital navigational aid since 1971 and was a well-known maritime landmark. Following the decision by Trinity House to decommission the end-of-life structure, Herbosch-Kiere was appointed to undertake the complex offshore removal works.
The project required the safe dismantling and removal of major structural elements in an extremely challenging marine environment, where operations were constrained by sea state, weather conditions, tidal movements and structural uncertainties associated with the ageing asset.
The award-winning scheme was delivered in two phases. Phase One involved the removal of the lantern tower and accommodation unit using a bespoke temporary support and lifting system specifically designed to safely release and recover the structure offshore. Phase Two focused on the removal of the lighthouse's post-tensioned concrete support pillar, which was carefully dismantled into nine sections using specialist diamond wire cutting techniques and a bespoke cutting frame before being lifted, transported and recycled.
Throughout the project, Herbosch-Kiere's engineering teams adopted a disciplined, evidence-led approach to risk management and offshore operations. As previously unknown structural conditions were encountered, the methodology was re-engineered in real time to ensure safe delivery while maintaining strict control over lifting operations and marine interfaces.
Beyond the technical achievement, the project has delivered exceptional sustainability outcomes. The overall project achieved a recycling rate of 99.05%, while Phase Two works achieved an industry-leading 99.96% material recovery rate, demonstrating the potential for circular economy principles within major infrastructure decommissioning projects.
The project also leaves a lasting legacy for the local community. The lighthouse lantern tower has been preserved and will form part of Bexhill Maritime's proposed Maritime Coastal Environment Centre, ensuring that an important piece of maritime heritage continues to educate and inspire future generations.
The ICE judges recognised the project for its combination of engineering innovation, sustainable delivery, community benefit and successful execution under some of the most demanding offshore conditions encountered within the UK construction sector.
Commenting on the award, a spokesperson for Herbosch-Kiere said:
"This award is a testament to the expertise, dedication and innovation demonstrated by our project teams throughout the Royal Sovereign Lighthouse Decommissioning Project. Delivering complex offshore engineering works safely is always challenging, but this project required exceptional planning, collaboration and technical excellence to overcome significant marine constraints and structural uncertainty.
We are particularly proud that the project not only achieved outstanding safety and engineering outcomes but also delivered industry-leading sustainability performance and secured a lasting heritage legacy for the local community. Winning the ICE Best Infrastructure Project Award is a fantastic recognition of what can be achieved when engineering excellence and sustainable thinking work hand in hand."
The award further strengthens Herbosch-Kiere's position as one of the UK's leading marine and offshore engineering specialists and highlights the company's continued commitment to delivering complex infrastructure projects safely, sustainably and efficiently.
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