Sindalah Floating Breakwater
- Saudi Arabia
Located on the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia, Sindalah is one of NEOM’s first luxury destinations — a gateway to the Red Sea tailored to support marine tourism. To protect the island’s marina from waves up to 1.5 metres height, a floating breakwater was designed and engineered. FDN advised local contractor Rawabi to secure the tender and provided advanced design expertise for this unique marine infrastructure.
Project Description
The Sindalah Floating Breakwater safeguards the marina of NEOM’s exclusive island resort, ensuring calm waters for yachts and marine operations. Designed to reduce wave heights from 1.5 metres to less than 40 centimetres within the marina, the breakwater plays a vital role in maintaining safety, comfort, and accessibility for visitors and vessels. The floating structure adapts seamlessly to the surrounding environment, combining functionality with elegance. The breakwater elements of 25 metres length and 7 to 15 metres width for berthing of Super Yachts and Sea Planes was designed by FDN for the tender stage with budget estimation to win the tender.
Challenges of the Project
Constructing a high-performance floating breakwater in the Red Sea comes with complex challenges. The region’s extreme temperatures, saline conditions, and ecological sensitivity required robust yet flexible solutions. Furthermore, the structure had to maintain stability under variable wave conditions while preserving the visual appeal and luxury standards of Sindalah. To win the tender we had to look for maximum wave damping with minimal sized breakwater elements and high stability of the structure.
Sustainability
Sustainability lies at the core of NEOM’s vision — and of this project. The floating breakwater was designed with durable, low-maintenance materials that minimize environmental impact. Its modular construction allows for easy transport, installation, and potential reuse, reducing both waste and carbon footprint. The design ensures that marine ecosystems remain protected while supporting responsible tourism in the Red Sea. The local coast and underwater ecology had to be influenced minimally by this scarless technology of floating breakwaters by FDN Group.
Innovation & Technology
FDN applied advanced hydrodynamic modelling and engineering simulations to determine the optimal size, buoyancy, and stability of the floating elements. Special attention was given to the flexible connections between modules and the anchorage system securing the structure to the seabed. This innovative design ensures long-term performance, even under harsh marine conditions.
FDN’s Contribution
FDN provided the design expertise that made this project possible. Our engineers defined the required dimensions of the breakwater to achieve the desired wave attenuation inside the marina. We also developed solutions for the flexible joints and anchoring system, ensuring durability and adaptability. Acting as a trusted advisor, FDN supported Rawabi in winning the tender and executing the project to NEOM’s high standards.
Partners
- End Client: NEOM / Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- FDN partner Local Contractor: Rawabi