Cofferdam construction in Denia, Spain

The Spanish government approved the Balearic Gas pipeline project in 2003. This project is for the construction of a pipeline to link the Mediterranean Balearic islands, the best known of which are Ibiza and Mallorca, with the Spanish mainland. This will provide a connection with the Spanish, and therefore with the European, gas distribution networks. The pipeline leaves the mainland at Denia and makes landfall in Ibiza, from where a link to Mallorca is to be made.

Voorbij Funderingstechniek was engaged by Boskalis for the temporary cofferdam construction for the Denia pipeline landfall. Voorbij was awarded the contract on 20 December 2008, and started work on 12 January 2009 after an extremely brief mobilization. The cofferdam construction is 140 metres long. No auxiliary construction will be used, as the machine ‘proceeds over its own work’ - working from the cofferdam that has already been completed. The sheet piles with approximately 10 metre planks are of Spanish origin and supplied by the client. Boskalis contacted Voorbij following a previous partnership on a similar cofferdam construction from Callantsoog beach in 2006.

The cofferdam is to be complete in February and Voorbij is now working with the client on the strutting frame. 25 February 2009 will see the ‘pipe pull’, when the pipeline is drawn ashore. The pipeline will later be covered with sand and Voorbij will dismantle the cofferdam construction in March 2009. After Sakhalin (2005) and Callantsoog (2006), this is yet another major feat, and a fine example of teamwork between our Dutch dredgers and a foundation partner that they can rely on.

Client: Enegas
Contracting consortium : Saipem - FCC Construction
Subcontractor for dredging and pipeline : Boskalis b.v. - Tideway