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Cape Campbell Lighthouse

Cape Campbell Lighthouse by Scaffold Marlborough
Cape Campbell Lighthouse
by Scaffold Marlborough

Cape Campbell Lighthouse

Cape Campbell Lighthouse required maintenance work and Scaffold Marlborough were asked to provide access for contractors.

Located about 50 kilometres from Blenheim, the 116 year old lighthouse marks the southern approaches to Cook Strait. Built on a hill, 47 metres above sea level, the lighthouse takes a hammering from weather.

Aerial photo showing Layher Allround Scaffolding surrounding Cape Campbell Lighthouse
Aerial photo showing Layher Allround Scaffolding surrounding Cape Campbell Lighthouse

Lighthouse maintenance

Demanned in 1986, the automated lighthouse is fitted with a 24 volt flashing LED beacon. Light from the LED beacon has a range of 19 nautical miles or 35 kilometres, and flashes once every 15 seconds.

Owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand, the lighthouse maintenance work included corrosion and rust removal. As well as a fresh coat of paint. On average maintenance work is conducted every 12 to 15 years, depending on conditions.

Due to the lighthouse’s remote location, high winds were a major factor during the project. Scaffold Marlborough’s Rob Hellstrom said the scaffolding needed to be completely freestanding and in no way touch the historic landmark.

scaffolding lighthouse new zealand
Scaffold Marlborough successfully built a freestanding scaffold for the Cape Campbell Lighthouse maintenance project

Allround Scaffolding lighthouse

Rob said, “there is almost no gap at the bottom and the Layher Allround Scaffolding is about half a metre away from the structure at the top. There are internal guardrails to make sure no-one can step off between the scaffold and the lighthouse. The stability comes from the wider base of the scaffold and extra gear.”

“This 18-metre structure is high, but not out of our area of expertise.” Rob said.

Scaffold Marlborough took less than two weeks to set up the nine levels of scaffolding. In terms of planning and organisation, Rob said this was one of their bigger jobs.

“We went through different options and designs. A lot of thought is involved because it is a round building, but we have plenty of practice with wine tanks here in Marlborough. And Layher Allround Scaffolding is really easy to use on circular structures.” Rob said.

Maritime New Zealand were pleased with the speed and efficiency of Scaffold Marlborough teams.

Thank you to Scaffold Marlborough for the use of these photos.



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