The highlight sea wall needed to be both durable and efficient as the marina basin must be protected from heavy ferry and yacht wakes and wind-generated waves.
Heron Construction Company, an SF Marina licensed manufacturer, removed an existing rock wall and replaced it with a 256m (840ft) long x 2m (6ft 7in) wide arcing fixed breakwater with public walkway that terminates in a distinct curved end. The decorative cast motif on the walls is a perfect example of how SF can customise structures to ensure they are attractive as well as practical.
A 239m (784ft) long x 2m (6ft 7in) wide pontoon walkway, positioned just inside the breakwater, was built using SF Marina type 1120 floating concrete pontoons with angled ends that mirror the curve of the breakwater. The pontoons are moored by piles to accommodate a moderate 2.5m (8ft) tidal fluctuation. Type 1515 pontoons were used to create 16 finger piers.
All floating components for the project were manufactured at the SF Marina facility in Whangarei and were shipped to the marina on a Heron Construction barge. Removal of the old rock seawall, dredging and installation all took place while the marina continued daily operations.
Whitianga Marina can accommodate 231 vessels ranging in length from 10 to 24m (33 to 79ft) and is a Certified Clean Marina.