Restoring seagrass in Romania by Van Oord

Van Oord was contracted by Administratia Bazinala de Apa Dobrogea-Litoral (ABA-DL) in 2019 to design and build new groynes and beaches to protect the popular seaside resort of Eforie on the Black Sea from erosion.

Part of the project is the construction of three hectares of sea grass.

Van Oord is currently conducting research to determine how to restore the seagrass at this location in the best way, taking into account the local conditions.

Seagrass beds are a very important biotope for marine ecology.

As a result of climate change, disease, coastal redevelopment and pollution, there is a worldwide decline in seagrass.

According to Van Oord, it is a worrying development because these small green plants have a very positive effect on the environment. They store carbon dioxide, keep sediment from washing away and help protect the coast.

Van Oord started the operations in Romania a couple of months ago.

Under the plan, the old pier and dams will be replaced by new breakwaters. A trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) will be deployed next year to restore the beaches.

The coastal reinforcement project is expected to be completed in 2023.