construction, development : Production of Accropodes™ for the « chatière » breakwater is underway

These artificial blocks, which will form part of the outer armour layer of the 1.8 km-long breakwater, are essential for protecting the structure from wave action and ensuring smooth and safe access to Port 2000. Production is currently taking place on Quai de l’Asie, in Le Havre.

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Rangée d'accropodes sur le quai de l'Asie - Enlarge image, modal window
©HAROPA PORT

Essential blocks to protect the future access channel

The concrete, supplied locally by the Lafarge plant in Gonfreville, is poured into prefabricated modls and then removed after 24 hours. Each piece is then inspected, stored before being transported to the construction site.
Their installation on the breakwater, carried out with precision by specialized machines, will be monitored using GPS tracking.

Under the supervision of HAROPA PORT, 19,900 Accropodes™ cubic meter, produced by TERELIAN and its subcontractor GTM OA (both subsidiaries of VINCI Construction), will form together with natural rock armour, the outer layer of the breakwater.

The « chatière » : a major infrastructure promoting modal shift

Measuring 1,800 meters in length, the breakwater will protect the future 100 meter-wide navigation channel directly connecting the Seine river network to Port 2000. This access will facilitate modal shift to waterways.

With a total of €197m, the project is being financed as follows:

  •  86.05 M€ from the Normandy Region ;
  •  3.6 M€ from the French State;
  •  24.9 M€ from the European Union (via the CEF- Connecting Europe Facility);
  •  82.45 M€ from HAROPA PORT.