Following on from the recent Breakwater Project Review, contractors Boskalis Westminster mobilised at the end of July for the last stage of the Cowes Breakwater build, which will be completed in October 2015. This involves a final reshaping of the breakwater’s gravel core before applying layers of rock armour. A total of around 45,000 tonnes of rock will be brought from Cherbourg in France and transported by barge to Cowes.

A temporary dock has been constructed on the northwest corner of the breakwater (see image above) to facilitate the mooring of the rock barges. The first rock barge is due in Cowes this week and approximately two rock barges are expected to arrive per week and will remain on station for around 18 hours at a time before departing the Exclusion Zone.

The process for discharging rock from the barge may occasionally necessitate Boskalis Westminster operating during night-time hours. CHC is working with contractors and IW Council Environmental Health to ensure that any noise and light emissions are kept to a minimum.

For more information, see the next issue of Yachting Monthly – September 2015, and