The work will take between 10 and 15 days, with 17,000 m3 of sand to be removed to improve access for boats
The dredged sand will be distributed between the Sant Sebastià, Barceloneta and Nova Icària beaches
Dredging work began this week at the mouth of the Port Olímpic to remove 17,000 m3 of sand from the seabed to provide the depth of water needed to ensure boats can pass through.
This is the second time this type of maintenance work has been carried out at the Port Olímpic since BSM took over its management. The dredging is needed to redress the occasional build up of sand here due to factors such as wave patterns and storms.
The work also coincides with the final stage of transforming the Port Olímpic, providing a boost to nautical activity here with traditional regattas and major events such as the upcoming America’s Cup, increasing the volume of boats in the port.
The volume of sand to be dredged up should triple the amount of the previous occasion, in 2022, and allow for the creation of an entrance channel 84 metres wide and deep enough to guarantee access for boats. The work should take between 10 and 15 days, weather permitting, and has a budget of 441,308.85 euros.
Improving lack of sediment on the beaches
Besides introducing safety improvements for boats entering the Port Olímpic, the dredging work will play a key part in recovering some of the city’s beaches, as much of the sand will be redistributed over the Sant Sebastià, Barceloneta and Nova Icària beaches, helping them to regain some of the sand lost during the autumn and winter storms.
Before its transfer, the sand will be analysed and undergo relevant quality checks to ensure its suitability for improving the beaches. The sand will be deposited and spread on the beaches through a pipe, taking it from the dredging zone, and by land transport.
