Boskalis to construct breakwater for protection harbour of Cowes, UK

Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) appointed Royal Boskalis Westminster to undertake construction of the new £7 million detached breakwater for Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

The construction of the new breakwater will be carried out in two phases, with the first phase, creating the core structure of the breakwater, commencing in spring 2014.

The initial construction phase will be followed by a consolidation period to allow for settlement of the breakwater structure during the autumn through to spring 2015. The contractor will then return to Cowes to re-dress the core structure and complete the construction of the breakwater during the summer of 2015.

Sheltered harbour
The construction of the 350 metre long breakwater is the first phase of transforming Cowes into a 'true sheltered harbour' and creates a variety of exciting development and business opportunities for East Cowes, Cowes and other Island stakeholders.

Capt. Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Harbour Master, said: "The signing of the breakwater construction contract is a significant milestone and we are really looking forward to working alongside specialist contractor Boskalis Westminster to finally deliver the Cowes breakwater."

The breakwater is the first and most important component of the new harbour protection and infrastructure to be delivered as part of this partnership project.

Technically robust
Cowes Harbour Commission continues to work closely with Atkins, the design and engineering consultancy appointed to project manage the breakwater. Iain Roberts, Maritime Engineer at Atkins, said: "We’ve made significant progress to date in managing the procurement of the harbour infrastructure elements of the scheme and look forward to working with Boskalis Westminster as we move onto the next phase. Their design is technically robust and will have a long design life."

Keen to start project
Paul Datson, Head of Capital and Coastal Projects at Boskalis Westminster, stated: "Boskalis Westminster is very pleased to have been awarded the prestigious contract to design and construct the detached breakwater at Cowes. Our group has extensive experience around the world in the design and construction of breakwaters and other rock structures, and we are keen to start work on this project that will have such a positive benefit for Cowes. With our two major projects in Southampton and our local UK Head Office, we have significant resources in the area and look forward to working with Cowes Harbour Commissioners and Atkins in order to deliver a successful project."

This news item was originally published on the website of Cowes Harbour Commission.

More information
Royal Boskalis Westminster
Papendrecht, the Netherlands
+31 78 6969 000
www.boskalis.com