Van Oord, a leading maritime contractor, proudly announces the completion of the largest beach restoration project ever undertaken in Spain. Situated south of Valencia, the project marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat coastal erosion and protect its natural landscapes.
Since 1965, the beaches in Valencia have been gradually disappearing due to erosion, posing a threat to coastal communities and the environment. In response, the Spanish government commissioned Van Oord and its subsidiary Dravo S.A., along with Rover Maritime, to restore 7 kilometers of coastline and extend 2 breakwaters to mitigate erosion.
The project utilized Van Oord’s state-of-the-art equipment, including the HAM 318, its largest trailing suction hopper dredger. Over 3.3 million cubic meters of sand were strategically placed, expanding the beaches by up to 150 meters in width. The dredged material was transported ashore through a combination of floating and submerged pipelines spanning 1.8 kilometers.
Building with Nature
Beyond mere restoration, the project embraced a holistic approach to coastal protection and ecological enhancement. In addition to widening the beaches, efforts were made to restore the natural dune systems. Sand collectors, crafted from a local variety of cordgrass, were strategically positioned to trap wind-blown sand, aiding in the formation of new dunes. Alongside, 44,000 plants were meticulously planted to bolster the area’s ecological resilience.
The project’s scope extends beyond safeguarding the coastline; it’s about fortifying ecosystems and protecting vital habitats. Jesus Martin, Managing Director of Dravo S.A., expressed pride in the project’s success, highlighting the team’s expertise and dedication in achieving the ambitious goals within budget and on schedule.
Funding for a Greener Future
The ambitious endeavor was made possible through funding from the European Commission’s NextGenerationEU initiative. Launched in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program aims to facilitate recovery while fostering a greener and more digitally advanced future. As part of this initiative, investments are channeled into projects that promote environmental sustainability and resilience, such as the Valencia beach restoration project.
Managed by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, in collaboration with Valencia’s COSTAS office, the project aligns with the NextGenerationEU fund’s objectives of promoting transformation and resilience in coastal areas.
The completion of the Valencia beach restoration project signifies not only a triumph in engineering but also a commitment to safeguarding the environment and building a more resilient future for coastal communities. Van Oord’s expertise, combined with strategic funding initiatives like NextGenerationEU, exemplifies the potential for collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges.