Marine Shrink Wrap Solution for Gunwharf Quays Marina, Portsmouth
- EcoShrink
- Jan 8, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 25
EcoShrink installed marine shrink wrap around a large vessel at Gunwharf Quays Marina in Portsmouth. A full scaffold-and-wrap enclosure was built in an exposed, waterside setting so abrasive blasting and repainting could go ahead safely, with controlled temperature and no blast debris escaping into the marina.
Project Overview
Gunwharf Quays Marina is known for its high-value vessels and exposed waterfront position. The marina team needed to complete abrasive blasting and repainting on a large boat outdoors, with strong winds and tight deadlines to contend with. Standard covers would not give enough control over debris, wind or temperature. EcoShrink was brought in to design a marine shrink wrap enclosure that would fully encapsulate the scaffolded vessel, creating a clean, controllable work zone where blasting and painting could proceed on schedule.
Challenges on site
Frequent gusts and changeable weather in an open marina setting. Need to contain airborne debris and blast media from abrasive blasting operations. Requirement for a stable internal temperature during painting and curing .Tight timeframe – shrink wrap installation needed to be completed quickly so works could start Access for scaffold, wrap and heaters within a busy marina environment.
Our marine shrink wrap approach
EcoShrink delivered a UV-resistant marine shrink wrap system encapsulating the full scaffold around the vessel.
Scaffold and encapsulation
Worked with the marina and contractor to agree scaffold layout and safe access routes on the quay. Installed scaffold around the vessel to provide working platforms and a structural frame for the wrap Applied marine-grade, UV-resistant shrink wrap over the scaffold, covering all sides and the roof. Heat-shrunk the film to a tight, drum-like finish, reducing movement in high winds and closing off gaps where dust or heat could escape.
Dust, debris and overspray control
Sealed seams and joints to keep blast media, dust and overspray within the enclosure during abrasive blasting. Helped protect the marina environment, neighbouring vessels and public walkways from airborne contaminants. Provided a clean internal surface around the work area, supporting better paint preparation and finish quality.
Temperature and programme support
The sealed enclosure allowed heaters to be used efficiently, helping maintain a controlled internal temperature for painting and curing. Rapid installation meant the blasting and repainting team could start quickly, keeping the project on schedule despite weather and exposure. The approach mirrored best practices used for winter storage and refit enclosures, adapted to a time-critical blasting programme at a busy marina.
Results
Marine shrink wrap enclosure installed quickly, allowing blasting and repainting to start without weather delays. Blast media, dust and overspray were contained inside the wrap, supporting environmental protection around the marina. Controlled internal temperature and reduced wind exposure improved paint cure and finish quality. Workers gained a more comfortable, sheltered environment in an otherwise exposed, windy location. The project was completed on time, with the vessel returned to service without weather-induced setbacks.
FAQ
Why was marine shrink wrap used at Gunwharf Quays Marina?
The vessel needed abrasive blasting and repainting outdoors in a windy marina environment. Marine shrink wrap created a sealed enclosure around the scaffold so dust, blast media and overspray stayed inside, while providing shelter and temperature control for the painting works.
How did the shrink wrap manage wind and weather at the marina?
By fully encapsulating the scaffold and heat-shrinking the film, the wrap formed a tight, drum-like skin that resisted flapping and movement in gusty conditions. This reduced wind chill and helped create a more stable internal environment for both blasting and painting.
Did the system help with programme and quality?
Yes. The rapid installation meant blasting and painting could start quickly, while the controlled internal conditions reduced weather-related delays and supported better paint cure and finish quality. The vessel was returned to service on time, without marina weather dictating progress.
Similar projects & next steps
EcoShrink uses the same marine shrink wrap methods on yachts, commercial vessels and marina-based projects where blasting, painting and weather protection all have to be managed together. For more examples, see our Marine Wrap Case Studies hub, or visit our Marine Shrink Wrapping service page for methods, options and FAQs.
If you need a controlled environment for blasting, repainting or refit work in an exposed marina, share your vessel dimensions, location and key dates and we’ll return a costed marine shrink wrap method and earliest start dates.
