The new breakwater (diga foranea) construction in Genoa is advancing rapidly, marking a crucial development for the port’s future.
Managed by the PerGenova Breakwater consortium, which includes Webuild, Fincantieri, Fincosit, and Sidra, the project aims to enhance the port’s capacity, allowing access for vessels up to 400 meters in length. The breakwater is a monumental undertaking, installing 90 massive caissons along a 6-kilometer stretch. As of August 2024, the fourth caisson, each weighing around 10,000 tons, has been placed (https://www.
The works include significant underwater construction efforts, with over 9,100 submerged columns created to stabilize the seabed, critical for ensuring the structural integrity of the breakwater. In total, the project requires approximately 1.7 million tons of gravel for these columns.
By the end of 2024, the goal is to have 12 caissons in place, marking an essential milestone in this €1.3 billion project, which is part of Italy’s broader infrastructure development plan https://www.
In addition to the caissons, the project involves extensive dredging operations in the port basin and removing sediments, some of which are contaminated and require careful handling. These sediments will be reused within the project, contributing to the construction of the new structure (https://www.
The breakwater’s completion is expected to significantly boost Genoa’s competitiveness as a major port, improving maritime safety and operational efficiency.
