Van Oord starts Brighton beach nourishment to reduce coastal flood risk

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Van Oord, working with subsidiary Mackley and Brighton & Hove City Council, has completed the first beach nourishment pump under Phase 2 of the Brighton Marina to River Adur Coastal Scheme.

The operation marks the start of a major construction phase designed to strengthen the coastline and reduce the risk of flooding and erosion affecting Brighton and neighbouring communities.

Van Oord’s trailing suction hopper dredger Vox Apolonia delivered the first load of shingle to the project area. The material is being used to reinforce the beach profile, creating a broader coastal barrier against waves and elevated water levels.

Beach nourishment involves adding sediment to sections of coastline where natural material has been lost. Along the Brighton frontage, shingle provides a protective buffer between the sea and nearby buildings, transport connections and public infrastructure.

The first pumping operation confirms that the project has moved into its marine delivery stage. Vox Apolonia collects and transports material in its hopper before discharging it at the designated location.

Unlike a fixed concrete structure, a nourished beach absorbs and disperses wave energy across a wider surface. Its performance depends on the volume and placement of material, as well as future monitoring and maintenance as tides and storms reshape the coastline.

The work is intended to improve the beach profile and provide stronger protection against coastal flooding. The scheme is also expected to address erosion risks along the stretch between Brighton Marina and the River Adur.

Van Oord is delivering the marine element alongside Mackley, a UK civil engineering contractor specialising in coastal and water infrastructure. Brighton & Hove City Council is the public sector partner for the scheme.

The companies did not disclose the quantity of shingle delivered during the first operation, the total nourishment volume planned for Phase 2 or the expected completion date.

Future loads will continue building the beach to its required profile as work advances. Vessel movements, pumping operations and shore based placement will need to remain coordinated to ensure material reaches the correct sections of the coastline.

For contractors, the opening pump is an operational milestone because it connects offshore dredging capacity with the land based coastal engineering programme. The activity also demonstrates how specialised vessels can support climate adaptation projects beyond their traditional role in port development and navigation channel maintenance.

Brighton’s seafront supports residential areas, businesses, roads and public amenities. Coastal erosion and flooding can threaten those assets when beach levels decline or severe weather pushes water farther inland.

The Brighton Marina to River Adur scheme is intended to provide longer term protection by improving the physical condition of the beach. Phase 2 will continue with additional nourishment and associated coastal works to safeguard communities and infrastructure along the project area.

Van Oord said the completed pump represented the beginning of a significant phase of the scheme, with Vox Apolonia supporting the ongoing placement of shingle along the Brighton coastline.