The picturesque West Coast of Scotland is prone to heavy weather, and Rhu Marina, on the Firth of Clyde, is exposed to strong winds and treacherous currents. To protect the 240-berth marina and provide safe harbor for sailors year-round, installation expert Walcon Marine turned to SF Marina USA to replace the marina’s aging breakwater.
Rhu Marina on the west coast of Scotland
Specializing in floating concrete breakwaters, SF Marina is famous for supplying wave attenuators that stand up to mighty gales and high seas. Composed of 62-ton sections measuring 65′ L x 17′ W, Rhu Marina’s SF 500 breakwater consists of 16 sections moored on piles, with an overlap for further shelter.
“When the SF Marina breakwater units were delivered to the site, they looked superb,” said Clive Kemp, commercial director of Walcon Marine. “In our opinion, the SF Marina professionals are the world’s leading floating breakwater specialists, especially in difficult locations.” In the case of Rhu Marina, the engineers had to contend with an unusually rocky sea bed.
Constructed of reinforced concrete and Styrofoam, SF breakwaters are virtually unsinkable. With a high degree of strength and stability, they require little maintenance and have a service life of 30-50 years.
Owned by the Crown Estate and leased to Quay Marinas, Rhu Marina’s current expansion also includes the addition of 58 berths and a new wave attenuating pontoon supplied by Walcon Marine. The facility offers deep-water berths, swinging moorings and shore storage.
“We are all confident that the new floating breakwater at Rhu Marina will protect their valuable marina asset and provide shelter to berthed vessels for many years to come,” said Kemp. In a recent Rhu Marina newsletter, Quay Marinas Limited managing director Simon Haigh commented, “This is very good news for all concerned. Rhu customers will benefit enormously from the new breakwater arrangements, and we shall be offering excellent value berthing packages.”
A leader in floating concrete docks and breakwaters, SF Marina USA helps marinas expand into unprotected waters. Based in Gloucester, Virginia, the company can custom-design its long-lasting products to fit any site.
