Port of Ferrol enlargement works, Spain

Abstract

The Port of Ferrol is in the autonomous region of Galicia, in the north-west of the Iberian peninsula, in the ria of the same name. The port has traditionally specialised in bulk goods, mainly coal, scrap and petroleum products. An increase in traffic in the 1990s, combined with the diversification policy in the port authority activities, and the advisability to have a new container terminal, led the Port Authority to consider a major expansion project in the outer part of the ria. This paper provides an account of the works that were involved in this project (carried on from 2001 to 2005), known as the ‘Port of Ferrol enlargement works (outer harbour) – 1st stage’ and describes all the main construction processes (quarry, construction of breakwater, wharf, dredging processes, etc.) including the technological advances introduced at these works.