On the rugged southwest coast of Devon lies West Bay Harbour, a characteristic harbour that often silts up heavily after the winter season.
Due to strong storms and the open exposure to the sea, access to the harbour is regularly restricted, making timely maintenance crucial. As an official Refuge Harbour, West Bay must remain accessible in emergencies at all times.
Every early spring, we deploy our dredging expertise to keep the harbour safe and accessible. Using our 10-inch cutter dredger, we work partly offshore and under changing weather conditions. The dredged sand is pumped directly to nearby beaches, where it is reused for coastal reinforcement. Through this circular use of local sand, we contribute to a more stable beach profile and an attractive coastal area for residents and visitors.
Location
West Bay Harbour, Bridport, Devon, United Kingdom
Equipment
10” Cutter dredger
Social / economic value