Three new coastal protection projects to commence in Romania

The Dobrogea Litoral Water Basin Administration of the Romanian government has awarded Netherlands-based Van Oord three new contracts for works that will reinforce Romania’s coastline.

Van Oord will design and construct 6.7 kilometres of resilient coastline for the Romanian seaside resorts of Costinesti, Mangalia-Saturn, and 2 Mai. As part of the work scope, the value of marine habitats will be increased through artificial reefs and bio-structures.

The projects have a total estimated value of €200 million (US$214.48 million) and are in addition to similar projects Van Oord is executing in the region. With this new award, the total length of the Romanian coastline to be reinforced by Van Oord will exceed 26 kilometres.

To protect the coastal areas from further erosion by the waves of the Black Sea, Van Oord will design and construct new groynes and beaches. Several of the current breakwaters will be removed and redeveloped to make way for more environment-friendly alternatives.

The construction of the groynes is scheduled to start in 2024 following a design phase of about 12 months. Van Oord expects project completion in 2026.

Van Oord will deploy a trailing suction hopper dredger to restore the beaches.