Ferrol outer port: experimental and in situ design studies

Abstract

This paper presents a synthesis of the work undertaken by the Centro de Estudios y Experimentación de Obras Públicas (Cedex) at its Centre for Harbours and Coastal Studies, with a view to designing and developing a new port in the north-west of Spain: the enlargement to the Port of Ferrol in the outer part of the Ferrol estuary. This activity has been selected as the subject matter for the paper, not only because of its relevance and the size of the new port but also owing to the interesting nature of the activities performed, which included measurements in situ, numerical and physical models, ship manoeuvring simulation and environmental studies. The various activities are, to a large extent, an indication of the contribution that Cedex can make to the development of new port facilities, as well as the coordination that it is advisable to have between the institutions and companies participating, when carrying out such a major project. In this particular case the participants included the Spanish state ports body, the Ferrol–San Ciprían Port Authority, the engineering consultancy and the university, among other organisations and companies.