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Get In Touch For Our Canal And Marine Services

Bilway Marine Services offers debris removal, transporting materials, ferry services and more on the Manchester Ship Canal. Our expert tree surgeons trim, prune and remove trees to keep the canal safe. Call us to learn more about how we can help.

Specialising In Marine Assistance

​Our canal marine service offers a range of essential services, including specialist tree surgery and ferry services, vegetation management, debris collection and more. Our experts handle tasks such as tree felling, and removing trees that may pose a risk to the canal environment, and to help aid navigation. The tree surgeons ensure that trees along the canal are healthy, well-maintained, and do not obstruct water traffic, obscure navigation aids or damage nearby properties. Contact us for more information about our services.

Specialist Tree Surgeons

Boat And Crew Supplier

Ferry Services

Debris Removal

Our service plays an important role in protecting the natural ecosystems of the Manchester Ship Canal. Our team focuses on maintaining the environmental health of the waterways by removing debris and controlling vegetation. Debris removal from canals is a careful process that uses various methods to ensure thorough cleaning. Common techniques include mechanical skimming, HIAB method, hand cleanup and vegetation control. The collected waste is then placed into containers for proper disposal.
In areas where mechanical equipment can’t reach, our skilled personnel conduct hand cleanups, removing smaller items like litter and branches. Regular vegetation maintenance reduces the natural debris that can enter the water. These combined efforts help keep the canals clean, safe, and healthy for both people and wildlife.

Sea Pollution

Transporting Materials And Equipment

We work closely with construction companies and other businesses to offer a reliable and eco-friendly way to transport heavy machinery and equipment. Our vessels are equipped with cranes and loading tools that can safely secure and transport various types of heavy machinery. Using canals for transport has several advantages. It is an eco-friendly option, producing lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to road and rail transport, thus having a minimal environmental impact. It is also cost-effective, especially for long-distance transport of heavy or bulky items, offering significant savings compared to traditional road or rail methods. Canals are highly reliable, as they are less affected by weather disruptions than road or rail transport, making them a dependable option for moving a wide range of equipment. We follow strict safety regulations, including weight limits, navigation rules, and regular vessel maintenance to ensure secure transportation.

Compost in bags on the ground close up

Tree Surgery

We offer professional tree surgery services to maintain vegetation along the Manchester Ship Canal, especially where access by land is difficult. Our specialist tree surgeons are trained to work from the water, using boats and other equipment to reach areas that are hard to access. They perform tasks such as trimming, pruning, and removing trees that may pose a risk to the canal environment or obstruct water traffic. By managing tree growth and maintaining healthy vegetation, we help keep waterways safe, clear, and visually appealing. Keeping navigation lights free from obstruction is vital to shipping on the MSC.


Our tree surgeons are skilled in dealing with trees that grow near or over the water, ensuring they are properly maintained without harming the surrounding ecosystem. They can safely remove dead or dangerous branches, manage overgrowth, and carry out other necessary tasks that keep trees healthy and prevent them from becoming hazards. Our services reduce natural debris that could clog the waterways.

two badges on water

Navigation Aid Maintenance

We provide essential navigation aid maintenance services to keep the canal safe for all users. Our team specialises in maintaining and repairing navigation aids, such as buoys, markers, and marine navigation lights. These aids are crucial for guiding boats and ships, helping them navigate safely through the canal, especially in low visibility or at night. Marine navigation light maintenance is a key part of our service. We ensure that all lights are functioning properly, visible, and meet safety standards. Regular checks and repairs are carried out to replace bulbs, fix wiring, and clean the lights, preventing them from becoming dim or faulty. This maintenance helps avoid accidents and keeps waterways safe for both commercial and recreational vessels.
Our team is trained to work efficiently and safely, using specialised equipment to access and repair navigation aids directly from the water.

Navigation aid on the canal

Safety Boat

Our safety boats and experienced crew ensure that any activity near or on the canal is safe and well-monitored. We provide businesses with both boats and trained crew members, offering a reliable safety presence for projects like construction, maintenance, or filming. Our services are frequently used by rail staff working on bridges or structures over water, helping to ensure that all safety measures are in place. The boats act as a safety net, ready to respond in case of an emergency, making it safer for workers to complete their tasks. We also work closely with TV production crews, including teams from popular shows. Our boats ensure that filming on or near the canal runs smoothly, with the safety of the cast and crew always a top priority. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.

View from inside the boat

Contact us for canal and marine services along the Manchester Ship Canal. Our services include, debris removal, navigation aid maintenance, safety boat services and more. Bilway Marine Services have a fleet of safety boats and barges ready to assist in any situation.

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