Waiheke Island Marina in New Zealand has taken steps to enhance docking safety and environmental sustainability. The installation of an arc-shaped floating breakwater, designed by SF Marina, serves to shield the marina from natural disasters and simultaneously protect the delicate marine ecosystem of the island.
How the arc-shaped floating breakwater works
SF Marina’s floating breakwater is designed to adapt to changing sea conditions while effectively eliminating wave energy. The two sections of the 460-metre breakwater include 23 floating concrete pontoons of the size 20-metre by 6-metre of the SFBW600 series, six on the western section and 17 on the main portion.
Its arc-shaped design mirrors the island’s natural coastline, which enhances its ability to lessen waves. The three breakwater sections closest to shore are 2.4-metre in height, while the remaining sections reach 4-metre, all with a 0.6-metre freeboard.
Through SF Marina’s patented coupling system, which helps absorb and distribute stress loads, the pontoons are connected, and the structure is securely anchored to the seabed using internal steel piles, allowing it to accommodate the marina’s 3.5-metre tidal range.
The breakwater is not only engineered for maximum wave reduction but is also designed to blend seamlessly with the environment to minimise its impact on the surrounding marine ecosystem.
A boating hub in need of protection
Situated just 40 minutes from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island Marina is a destination for both local and visiting boaters. Located in the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana, the marina offers modern services and facilities and remains committed to conservation through its Waiheke Marina Maritime Trust, which works to protect the coastal environment.
The Hauraki Gulf is an ecologically significant area and home to 25 species of marine mammals, including bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and Bryde’s whales. The presence of little penguins (kororā) and the shallow waters of the bay ruled out the use of a traditional rock-pile breakwater, as it could have disrupted the natural current and the area’s delicate flora and fauna.
Strong winds and frequent ferry wakes made it difficult for boaters. The marina also needed additional offices and car parking spaces, but the adjacent land was already developed. SF Marina and Heron Marine built the pontoons at Waiheke Island Marina to address these concerns.
SF Marina’s global innovation in floating solutions
SF Marina's breakwater technology has been successfully deployed in marinas around the world, While SF Marina operates internationally, its expertise extends beyond marinas; for example, in Sweden, the technology supports the foundation of a two-storey, 33-room hotel, highlighting the broad application of their floating pontoons.
.png)
