Milestone reached in development of new breakwater in Genoa

At a depth of 20 mtr, the second caisson was successfully positioned. It will form part of the initial 4 km of the breakwater, which on completion, will stretch along 6.3 km of coastline. 

The breakwater

The breakwater, which is being developed off the coast of the Sampierdarena basin, will provide direct access by sea to both the cargo and passenger terminal areas, and a wide turning basin for ultra-large cruise ships to manoeuvre safely, expanding from 550 m to 800 m. 

The work will also see provision of two dedicated entrances for vessels, which will be expanded from the current 210 m to 310 m. 

The breakwater is expected to help protect the Old Port and Sampierdarena basin facilities from violent sea storms.

800 m of space will allow ultra-large cruise ships to safely manoeuvre

Second caisson

The 10,000t concrete caisson – measuring 21.7 mtr in height, 40 mtr in length and 25 mtr in width – was built at the floating construction site installed at the Port of Vado Ligure. It was then towed and positioned on the gravel base deposited on bedrock opposite the Lighthouse of Genoa.

Further works

Other major works running concurrently are on schedule: to date, Consorzio PerGenova has laid over 1.5m tons of gravel, often through adverse weather conditions, and built approximately 5,000 giant underwater columns. 

To boost production, the pontoon deployed at Vado has been flanked by a large barge which is set to create a threefold increase in the construction of columns. 

Plus, the search for unexploded ordnances along the seabed continues and is to be completed this summer. 

Ports of Genoa said that as works proceed underwater, measures continue to be taken to protect the marine ecosystem.