Expert Devon-based engineering team underpins fast storm recovery alongside major rail route

TMS Maritime supports principal contractor to overcome extreme conditions and deliver critical support for rail route repairs

Devon, UK, 30 March 2026: TMS Maritime Ltd, the professional marine civil engineering services company, has completed its part in the project to repair alongside the Great Western Railways Riviera Line at Sprey Point.

The Riviera Line is well known for the highly scenic stretch of railway which runs along the Devon coastline between Dawlish and Teignmouth, and which is regularly damaged due to its proximity to the water and exposure to extreme weather. The coastal path has been closed for repair since January 2026 after suffering significant damage in new year storm Chandra, when the seaward face of Sprey Point was breached.

TMS was engaged by the principal contractor for repairs across the Western Minor Works framework, to fix a substantial sink hole which closed the footpath adjacent to the main railway line.

The team faced significant challenges from persistently poor weather conditions, high tides, and onshore swell to the challenging logistics of getting over 400 tonnes of bulk material to site, which involved moving materials along the beach and facilitating delivery through a number of night-time rail closures.

Over several weeks the team made the coastline safe, effecting repairs to the sinkhole, reinstating the footpath and surrounding area. They made final concrete repairs to the seaward face, eastern slipway and access stairs, which also suffered significant damage. Like-for-like stone was used to ensure full integrity of the site and safe public access to the beach.

Iain Martin, project delivery manager at TMS Maritime said, “Our specialist teams mobilised quickly to support the works at Sprey Point, bringing together the specialist marine and civil engineering expertise needed to operate safely in a challenging coastal environment in difficult weather conditions. We are incredibly well supported by our key suppliers, who are able to mobilise plant and significant volumes of materials at short notice, in this case so we could help protect the railway line and restore reliable access for the local community.”

Roger Full, Managing Director at TMS Maritime, added, “This project is a strong example of the specialist capabilities, heritage and experience TMS brings to complex civil engineering projects in marine environments. Our teams are used to working in extremely demanding conditions to deliver safe, high-quality solutions at pace, and the results at Sprey Point are a great demonstration of this.”

TMS Maritime will continue to support works on the Riviera Line, including upcoming phases involving the rebuilding of sections of the parapet wall between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren. TMS stonemasons will create a solution that prevents future failure while ensuring an aesthetic fit with the surroundings.

Other recent TMS projects include battling strong winds, torrential rain, and freezing temperatures to conduct critical inspections on Brunel’s iconic Royal Albert Bridge; marine installation of pontoon shoreside connection ramps in a 400m long floating walkway/cycleway along Bristol Harbour; stabilisation works at Brighton Marina; and delivery of a two-year climate adaptation scheme to protect low-lying island communities of the Isles of Scilly.

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About TMS Maritime

TMS Maritime is a leading UK marine civil engineering contractor with over 30 years of specialist expertise delivering marine and civil construction projects across coastal, tidal and inland waterways in the UK and Europe. The company provides a comprehensive range of services including marine construction, commercial diving, piling, civil engineering works and specialist marine plant hire. Known for its technical capability and professionalism, TMS operates as both principal and specialist contractor, supporting complex marine infrastructure projects with inhouse expertise and equipment. TMS is recognised for its commitment to quality, safety and value, and is accredited by leading industry bodies. For more information, visit www.tmsmaritime.co.uk