Floating breakwater Messolonghi
- Messolonghi Greece
In the picturesque marina of Messolonghi, Greece, FDN Group supported the creation of a floating breakwater designed to reduce the impact of waves and enhance safety for moored vessels. The project involved careful planning of floating elements, anchorage systems, and flexible connections to ensure optimal performance. By damping waves of up to 2 metres down to 70 centimetres within the marina, the solution provides calm waters, durable protection, and a resilient infrastructure that respects the local environment.
Project Description
The Messolonghi floating breakwater is a modular structure designed to shield the marina from rough sea conditions. Its floating elements are connected with flexible rubber joints and anchored securely to maintain stability. The layout and size of the elements were optimized to ensure effective wave reduction, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for boats and marina users.
Challenges of the Project
Key challenges included protecting the coral environment under water with a floating structure with minimal disturbance of the ocean floor. Managing high-energy waves, ensuring the stability of floating components, and adapting to the dynamic local hydrodynamics. The project required precise calculations of wave loads, buoyancy, and the flexibility of connectors, as well as designing an anchorage system that could withstand long-term environmental stress.
Sustainability
Sustainability played a central role in the project. The floating breakwater minimizes environmental impact by avoiding heavy underwater construction and preserving marine life. Its durable materials and adaptable design reduce maintenance needs and ensure long-lasting protection, providing an environmentally responsible solution for the marina.
Innovation & Technology
The project leverages innovative engineering solutions, including modular floating units, advanced hydrodynamic modeling, and flexible rubber connectors. These features allow the breakwater to respond dynamically to changing wave conditions, ensuring stability and performance. The design exemplifies a modern, resilient, and adaptive approach to maritime infrastructure.
Design criteria for the structure were the following:
• Water depth near breaker 9m
• Wind speed 12 Beaufort (30 m/s)
• Occurring wave periods T =1 to 6 sec , corresponding wave lengths up to 60m
• Wave height up to 2m (significant wave height)
• Wave damping needed: up to 2m waves with a period of 5s should be damped up to 80%. Higher waves damped 50%
• Design extreme condition wave height up to 4m (for design anchorage, concrete and connections)
• Design life structure 70 years
• Reference period of loads 100 years
The structure was calculated according to the European codes.
FDN’s Contribution
FDN Group provided engineering expertise in determining the optimal layout, sizing the floating elements, analyzing wave loading, and ensuring hydrodynamic stability. We specified the flexible connectors and anchorage type, guaranteeing that the breakwater met safety, performance, and environmental standards while delivering a reliable and effective solution. Further site supervision and advise for fast construction of the project.
Partners
The project was realized in collaboration with local authorities, FDN and construction partners. This cooperation combined expertise in maritime engineering, environmental planning, and innovative construction techniques to deliver a robust, sustainable, and functional breakwater for Messolonghi marina.