Berthing at boatfolk’s Gosport-based Haslar Marina in the UK is being boosted with the installation of a 70m wave attenuating breakwater in an exposed area of the marina.

As part of this two-phase project, pontoon and water access specialist Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) of County Offaly has designed and manufactured a bespoke floating concrete breakwater to reduce the wave climate in a particularly exposed section of the marina close to the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour.

The first phase is now complete and comprises the installation of two 60-ton 20m x 4m floating concrete breakwater units, carefully orientated to fit within the major reshaping of the marina which also involved realigning the green lightship, a prominent feature in this busy corner of the marina.

Extending the frontage of the marina, the protection this new fully serviced floating breakwater provides will enable Haslar Marina to create 45 new berths in the main part of the marina, as well as act as berthing for larger boats and superyachts.

“Over the last couple of years, as boating has boomed, demand for quality berthing across the UK has increased,” says Jon Challis, Sales Manager at ICMS. “With space tight in many marinas, they’re looking at using sites not previously used due to exposed conditions. This is where our floating concrete breakwaters come in.

“They are designed specifically to reduce waves to a level where sheltered and comfortable berthing, either in a harbour or marina, can be provided – ensuring berth holders and visitors get a good night’s sleep.

“Combining high strength and flexibility, our concrete breakwaters are built to withstand severe weather and wave action. Being fit for purpose does make the units heavy, which means they can be challenging to transport and manoeuvre, but working closely with the team at boatfolk, and experienced local marine contractor, Baker Trayte, the installation has been seamless. Haslar Marina now has the first phase of the protection it needs to expand its berthing facilities.”

Phase two is expected to start shortly, adding two 15m x 4m floating concrete units to the breakwater – completing the full 70-metres of the wave attenuation programme.

Lucas Shotts, Operations Director at boatfolk Marina Group, comments: “Since the inception of the project and the initial site analysis and design, the team at Inland and Coastal have been superb in their input and assistance in achieving the right product within our budget.

“There has been a huge amount of detailed knowledge shared between us which has resulted in the installation of a high-quality and extremely effective floating breakwater in a harsh and busy environment at one of our most important marinas. It has been a pleasure working with the great crew at Inland and Coastal and we have become a really strong team.”

Work will commence in the coming weeks on a new floating pontoon at Cheekpoint harbour in Co Waterford.

It comes a year after the Cheekpoint Boat Owners Association received planning permission for the 63-metre pontoon, which is being supplied by Inland and Coastal Marina Systems in Banagher, Co Offaly.

According to the association, the facility is intended for use by the wider community on the southern shores of the River Suir between Dunmore East and Waterford city.

Pontoon entrance works were completed in mid June ahead of the pending installation of the pontoon by LCF Castletownbere.

Further updates on the project will be available from the Cheekpoint Boat Owners Association website.