Just a few weeks ago, Van Oord and Royal Haskoning DHV, working as part of Team Van Oord, have started the execution of a Sand Motor in Bacton.
The official project name is ‘Bacton to Walcott Coastal Management Sandcaping Scheme’.
A UK-first multi-partner project, the scheme will see approximately 1.8 million cubic meters of sand placed and engineered on these beaches.
The sand placement part of the project will be the most visually striking element of the scheme.
During July and August 2019, sand will be dredged in licenced areas offshore and transported by ship to Bacton and Walcott.
As it proceeds, the project will move from the North West end of the frontage – in front of the gas terminal – to the South East.
According to the North Norfolk District Council, for the project Team Van Oord will use trailing suction hopper dredger Vox Amalia with her large, powerful pumps and engines that enable the vessel to dredge sand, clay, sludge and gravel from sea or river beds.
The Vox Amalia is 158 meters long, 35 meters wide, highly fuel efficient and has a hopper capacity of 18,000 cubic meters.
Overall the Bacton to Walcott Coastal Management Sandscaping Scheme will include placement of:
Estimated scheme costs are between £18 million and £19 million.