Port of Punta Umbría in Huelva, southern Spain, is set to receive a €1.95 million ($2.21 million USD) upgrade to its wave barrier system after the Regional Ministry of Public Works, Territorial Planning and Housing, through the Andalusian Public Ports Agency (APPA), opened a tender for the project.
The work is expected to take eight months once awarded and aims to improve protection for the marina basin, which is exposed to strong currents, tidal changes and wave energy generated by vessel traffic passing through the channel.
The existing barrier consists of three sections measuring 300 metres to the front, 48 metres to the north-west and 12 metres to the south-east. These are made up of floating modules, each 12 metres long, secured by five-tonne anchors.
Under the plans, the existing floating modules will be replaced with those designed for the conditions at the site, while driven steel piles will replace the current fixing system.
Acting regional minister for development Rocío Díaz said the investment would “continue the process of modernising fishing facilities and improve conditions in the fishing and recreational sectors”.
Díaz said the regional government has also advanced other projects at the port, including repairs to the northern wall of the harbour esplanade and improvements to nearby areas. Work has also been undertaken on the roofs of the shipowners’ offices and the fish market centre after damage caused by recent storms.
Interested parties have until 28 August to submit applications through the regional government’s electronic procurement platform.
