Lincshore coastal protection dredging resumes

The trailing suction hopper dredger Breughel is one of the biggest the project team has ever used. Dredging International NV has contracted the Damen Shoalbuster ITC Meltemi for an initial period of 60 days to assist with general dredging activities in support of the Lincshore 2012 campaign.

Lincshore, the Environment Agency’s £6m flagship scheme, aims to combat the decrease in sand levels and increased risk of flooding caused by erosion of the beach over winter. It works by increasing the level of the beach to reduce the risk of waves reaching the main defences. Lincshore protects the clay foreshore against further erosion and prevents rapid deterioration of the defences. The project will see 512,000 m3 of sand pumped from licensed offshore sites onto 20 kilometres of beach.

The mammoth scheme maintains protection against a one in 200 year tidal flood (0.5%) for 30,000 properties and 35,000 hectares of land. In addition, the work also helps maintain the beaches as tourist attractions. Without it, sand would be washed away leaving just the clay base.

The project is reviewed every five years to ensure it remains the best option for protecting homes and businesses from flooding. This year’s work is the third year of the five year programme.

The dredger, Breughel, which was named after the famous Belgian Northern Renaissance painter, has a hopper capacity of 11,650 m3 and can carry 18,710 tonnes. It has a 1,200mm diameter dredging pipe and can dredge at depths down to 43 metres. It also has the lowest carbon footprint in its class.

Project: Lincshore 2010-2015 Framework Contract

Customer: UK Environment Agency

Main Contractor: Birse Civils