Waste & Water

Project Overview

OSL Global is supporting Southbay Civil Engineering in the development of a new operational facility for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers at the Port of Tilbury. The project forms part of a wider investment programme to expand river transport infrastructure, including the construction of new pier infrastructure and a purpose-built dry dock facility to support fleet maintenance and operations.

Scope of Delivery

OSL is responsible for delivering the mechanical, electrical and plant infrastructure associated with the facility on a design-and-build basis. This includes the integration of power distribution, lighting, plant systems and associated control infrastructure required to support safe and efficient operations within the marine environment.

The works involve coordinating multiple engineering disciplines to ensure the infrastructure operates reliably within a demanding operational setting, supporting vessel maintenance, servicing activities and day-to-day operational requirements.

Key Capabilities

• Mechanical and electrical infrastructure design

• Power distribution and site electrical systems

• Operational lighting and plant infrastructure

• Integration of control systems and supporting plant

• Design-and-build delivery through installation and commissioning

Project Status

The project is currently progressing on site and will deliver enhanced operational and maintenance facilities for the Thames Clippers fleet while strengthening marine infrastructure at the Port of Tilbury.

Scope: Provided comprehensive waste management studies and solution development across multiple sites, both within the UK and internationally. The objective was to assess waste handling practices, identify optimisation opportunities, and evaluate environmental impacts. Studies include detailed site surveys, emissions and noise assessments, and strategic consultations with local authorities to guide sustainable waste management practices. Additionally, one project study involved testing and evaluation of coal spoil material for potential use in construction, exploring its viability as a sustainable building material.

Key Deliverables:

Comprehensive Site Surveys and Waste Assessment:

• Conducting in-depth surveys of three UK waste sites and two international locations (Maldives and Poland), analysing current waste handling, storage, and disposal practices

• Generating data to establish baseline environmental impacts and guide future waste management solutions

• Coordinating meetings with local authorities to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and obtain necessary approvals

• Detailed emissions and noise assessments at each site, measuring pollutants and noise levels to ensure compliance with local regulations and reduce environmental impact

Optioneering and Feasibility Studies:

• Developing waste management solution options for each site, tailored to local needs, regulations, and environmental goals

• Assessing the feasibility of various approaches, including potential environmental and economic benefits of each option

Technical Documentation and Drawing Production:

• Preparing detailed site drawings and technical documents for each waste site, supporting project planning and regulatory compliance

• Finalising a series of reports summarising findings from site surveys, environmental studies, product testing, and authority consultations

• Providing actionable recommendations for sustainable waste management solutions tailored to each site’s unique requirements and challenges

OSL provide end-to-end waste transport and logistics services to ensure safe, compliant and efficient movement of materials, including hazardous and specialist waste. With a deep understanding of regulatory requirements across the UK and Europe, our team coordinates can secure transportation for all waste types, supporting industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure and utilities.

Whether it’s scheduled collections, ad-hoc requirements, or emergency callouts, our flexible logistics network ensures your waste is handled swiftly and responsibly.

Our capability includes:

• Licensed transport of hazardous waste, including COSHH-regulated materials

• ADR-compliant vehicles and trained operatives for the safe handling of dangerous goods

• Cross-border transport management with customs and compliance support

• Route planning and environmental impact optimisation to reduce carbon footprint

We pride ourselves on providing reliable, risk-managed transport solutions that align with your sustainability and safety goals.

Scope: The Enerj8 project focused on the design, development, and operationalisation of an advanced waste thermal degradation system. This system was engineered to provide sustainable, environmentally compliant waste processing through innovative thermal degradation technologies. By integrating sophisticated process controls and automation, this initiative delivered a reliable, high-performance all waste-to-energy solution capable of meeting stringent regulatory requirements and optimising plant operation.

Key Deliverables:

Thermal Degradation System Design and Development:

• Comprehensive process design, including mass balance analysis, process flow diagrams (PFDs), and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), to ensure efficient and scalable waste degradation

• Engineering design of the system in alignment with thermal degradation best practices, optimising waste throughput and energy output

Plant Automation and Control System Implementation:

• Production of a comprehensive suite of process deliverables, including datasheets, FDS (Functional Design Specifications), RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements), and other key documentation to support effective plant management

• Installation of a fully automated control system using Siemens S7 TIA to enhance process efficiency and ensure stable plant operation

• Creation of functionally robust process control strategies that streamline operations and support precise monitoring of system performance

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Permitting:

• Management of all permitting applications, including emissions and environmental impact assessments, to ensure compliance with local air quality standards

• Use of CERC ADMS 5 modelling to validate emissions compliance with stringent air quality regulations, supporting transparent communication with regulatory bodies

Testing, Commissioning, and Safety Assurance:

• Detailed commissioning plans and check sheets, with a focus on compliance with safety protocols and environmental permits

• Rigorous testing procedures to verify the functionality and safety of the degradation system, ensuring safe and effective plant operation upon commissioning

Process Safety and Risk Assessment:

• Conducting HAZOP (Hazard and Operability), ALM (Access, lifting and Maintenance), and DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) assessments to meet design safety standards and mitigate operational risks

• Documentation of safety assessments and mitigation strategies to support continuous compliance and operational safety

Ongoing Performance Optimisation and Reporting:

• Regular review and optimisation of operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure compliance with all environmental regulations

• Annual performance and environmental impact reporting to relevant authorities, ensuring the plant operates within regulatory frameworks

Scope: The planning, commissioning, and optimisation of multiple clean and wastewater treatment facilities in the northwest, northeast of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, ensuring efficient integration of new systems and seamless operation. Through meticulous commissioning, control optimisation, and preventative maintenance, these projects sought to enhance water treatment capabilities across multiple sites while supporting sustainable water management practices.

Key Deliverables

Commissioning and Programme Management:

• Development of comprehensive commissioning plans and detailed programmes to guide start-up sequencing and integrate new equipment smoothly into existing infrastructure

• Configuration and fine-tuning of key equipment, including centrifuges, dosing systems, filtration units, sludge digestion systems, UV disinfection, and air mixing rigs

• Execution of software site acceptance tests, control development, and data analysis to ensure optimal plant performance and integration with control systems

• Instrument calibration, pump and rig maintenance, and routine servicing to maintain system reliability and reduce downtime

Process Troubleshooting and Modification:

• Process evaluations and design of plant modifications to address performance issues and improve treatment outcomes

• Completion testing, sample analysis, and reporting to verify operational efficiency and compliance with standards

Certification and Documentation:

• Compilation of completion documentation, including FDS updates, redline drawings, and final certifications to confirm project completion

• Production of detailed operational manuals and delivery of training to ensure effective and safe operation by plant personnel

Decommissioning:

• Development of plans for the orderly decommissioning and removal of obsolete equipment, ensuring a smooth transition

Scope: Undertaking projects in Northern Ireland, Northwest England and Hong Kong. This involved the engineering management, commissioning, and optimisation of a comprehensive wastewater treatment and sludge incineration systems. Scopes included designing and operationalising a state-of-the-art sludge management and incineration plants, with a combined value of £500 million, with advanced treatment systems and controls to ensure sustainable processing and safe discharge. Key responsibilities spanned across all project stages, from design oversight and regulatory compliance to equipment optimisation and final performance trials, ensuring efficient, compliant, and reliable operation.

Key Deliverables:

Comprehensive Design Management:

• Oversight of structural, civil, mechanical (including steam systems to BS EN13480), and MEICA designs for an advanced sludge incineration plant, including the production of intelligent 3D models, P&IDs, and equipment data sheets

• Integration of Siemens AS Distributed Control System (PCS7 architecture), coordinating with third parties for PED and PSSR compliance

Health and Safety Compliance:

• Production and assessment of HAZOP, SIL, SIF, and DSEAR certifications to ensure safe and compliant operation across all plant systems

• Coordination of global equipment and process certifications, including the management of "Certification of Conformity" documentation

Commissioning and Optimisation of Treatment Systems:

• Configuration and optimisation of critical treatment equipment, including centrifuges, dosing rigs, filters, ammonia reduction reactor, and cooling water systems

• Conducting software site acceptance testing and developing control systems to ensure seamless integration and reliable operation

Process Control and Data Management:

• Continuous data analysis and process management to optimise plant operations, with specific focus on sludge transfer, incineration efficiency, and energy recovery

• Implementation of a Written Scheme of Control for Legionella management within the cooling water system, meeting strict health and safety standards

Performance Testing and Plant Balancing:

• Comprehensive site-wide performance trials, including project take-over testing, sample analysis, and system balancing for optimal operational performance

• Final performance trials to confirm plant efficiency and compliance, with detailed reporting and recommendations for ongoing operation

Operational Documentation and Training Delivery:

• Development of operational manuals and preventive maintenance protocols, covering instrument calibration, pump and rig maintenance, and routine servicing

• Delivery of training programmes to ensure safe, effective operation by plant personnel

Project Handover Documentation and Certification:

• Compilation of completion documentation, including redlined drawings, final certifications, and mark-ups to confirm project adherence to regulatory standards

• Coordination of plant and equipment certification for final compliance verification

At OSL Global, we are dedicated to advancing the latest technologies in water and wastewater treatment. Our active Research and Development (R&D) efforts are focused on exploring sustainable, efficient sludge management solutions for a cleaner, resource-conscious future. Here’s how we are setting the pace:

Innovative Sludge Treatment: We employ advanced processes like Pyrolysis and are closely looking at the development of Bio-electrochemical Anaerobic Digestion (BEAD)—a promising technology combining anaerobic digestion with microbial fuel cells to potentially convert organic waste into renewable energy and valuable by-products. While BEAD is emerging and not yet widely adopted, we are committed to advancing its integration in line with the UK’s carbon reduction and renewable energy goals. We are looking for a project to develop this out.

Plasma Gasification: With expertise in this high-temperature process, we treat complex waste streams, achieving over 90% sludge volume reduction and generating clean energy, thus reinforcing the circular economy.

Sustainable Solutions: Through Vermicomposting, we create nutrient-rich compost that supports soil health and agricultural sustainability, further reducing landfill dependency.

Comprehensive Service: As a full-service provider, we deliver end-to-end solutions from design and implementation through to commissioning and optimisation, ensuring that every project meets rigorous environmental and regulatory standards.