Boskalis in action: The future of coastal protection at Hengistbury Head

In the south of the United Kingdom, Boskalis has taken another step in the development of its Artificial Reefs Program.

Besides renewing the existing groyne that protects Poole Bay, including the Hengistbury Head nature reserve, from coastal erosion, 25 artificial reef units have been installed by Boskalis Westminster Ltd. through Boskalis’ Artificial Reefs Program.

A total of 25 MOSES reef blocks from ReefSystems were installed – the artificial reefs previously installed by Boskalis off the coast of Kenya that proved successful there.

In addition, 13 artificial reefs from ARC Marine® were installed.

Prior to their installation, both types of artificial reefs were tested in the North Sea and at Deltares to demonstrate that the reef constructions are stable enough and suitable for the North Sea climate.

This effect will be extensively monitored in the coming years, said Boskalis.

Another 57 machined tidal rock pools, where small organisms and marine animals can settle, will be installed in the groyne’s surrounding environmental enhancement areas. Another 8 artificial tide pools are installed within limestone rocks next to the groyne.

According to Boskalis, this project in Hengistbury Head not only aims to protect the coastal area and its local community from the consequences of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather, but also to make a major contribution to enhancing the local marine ecosystem.