Bulgarian Ports
Infrastructure Company

The second stage of the rehabilitation of the breakwater in Varna, financed by the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.), has been finalized. It is 463 meters long (along the breakwater mileage from km 0+793 to km 0+330) and has been implemented based on a work project drawn up in accordance with the results of an engineering and geological research in the area in front of the breakwater, hydrographic and underwater research of the facility and the sea bottom in the section in front of the breakwater, as well as the protected zone of the aquatory and around the head (the lighthouse).  

The major repair and restoration works carried out include making underwater mattresses to strengthen the bottom, inserting a layered support stone prism from fractional rock mass and making a strengthening and protective berm with tetrapod armor of different weights - 4, 8, 10 and 12 tons. The aim is to remove the existing defects and damage caused by gale factors on the body of the breakwater and to ensure the long-term operational reliability of the facility.

Varna breakwater was built in 1906. It is about 1220 m long and surrounds the eastern part of the port aquatory. Exposed to the influence of natural forces, from its construction until the end of the last century, the breakwater has undergone numerous changes and damages to its body, which determines the need for various repair and restoration activities to have followed.

Within the period November 2015 - January 2016, the construction and repair works of the first rehabilitation stage were completed, the scope of which comprise 100 meters and extends from km 0+793 to km 0+893. During the first rehabilitation stage, the horizontal concrete surfaces above water and the breakwater back were restored, the collapsed edges - recovered, the stonework and steel pipe railing were repaired, and 4 tons of tetrapod armor was made.