As the first port in the world, Port Esbjerg is testing a groundbreaking circular solution that transforms dredged clay from the fairway into nature-positive coastal protection. In partnership with technology company ECOncrete, six innovative Coastalock™ units have recently been installed at North Sea Quay (Nordsøkaj). The project also marks ECOncrete’s first major step into the Danish market.
A new standard for future port infrastructure
The incorporation of dredged clay into coastal protection units has never been tested before. The project will generate valuable new knowledge that can help establish new, resource-efficient standards for future port infrastructure – bringing together climate considerations, biodiversity and resilient infrastructure are considered from the earliest stages of design.
Three key facts about the project:
- World-first circular clay application: This is the first time anywhere in the world that ECOncrete’s technology has been combined with the direct reuse of locally dredged port sediment.
- 20% less cement: By replacing one fifth of the cement with dredged clay, the carbon footprint of the construction is significantly reduced without compromising the required strength and durability.
- Working with nature: The units feature a patented surface texture designed to encourage algae and marine organisms to settle and thrive. As these communities colonize the concrete, they form a biological layer that protects the coastal protection structures from seawater exposure while extending their service life.
A Living Laboratory
The six units serve as living laboratories and are being closely monitored by researchers. The data collected through the monitoring program will help pave the way for a future large-scale deployment involving hundreds of similar units.
Stakeholders and the wider public will be able to follow the biological transformation beneath the surface, as Port Esbjerg will share regular images and video updates documenting the development.
Status Update: Although the units have only recently been deployed, substantial biological growth is already visible – particularly algae and barnacles.
Read More
This project has also been featured by Danish Offshore Industry, which takes a closer look at the collaboration and the technology behind the Coastalock™ units.
Read the full article here:
https://www.doi.dk/en/havenergi/artikel/cirkulaer-kystsikring-i-esbjerg-skal-beskytte-havn-og-styrke-havmiljoeet
Contact
For further information about the project, please contact:
Lene Friis Møller
Email adresse: lene@genin.dk
Phonenumber +45 6115 0163
