Major infrastructure projects

Marine aggregate resources can be used to provide large volumes of construction and contract fill material, close to the point where they are required.

Projects such as the extension of Felixstowe port in 2009/10 (3.3Mt) and the extension of Ronaldsway airport on the Isle of Man in 2009/10 (0.48Mt), together with the historical examples of Sizewell B nuclear power station (1.46Mt) and Cardiff Bay Barrage (2.55Mt) illustrate the key role that the industry can fulfil supporting the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects of national importance.

Looking forwards, marine sand and gravel resources are expected to continue to play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects associated with Government policies related to energy security and climate change. These include nuclear new builds (including those at Hinkley Point and Sizewell), port and transport infrastructure developments (including Crossrail) and offshore wind farms (through concrete gravity base foundations).

The coastal location of many of these developments means that the sector is ideally placed to supply the large volumes of construction aggregate and fill material that will be required in the most cost effective and environmentally sustainable way.

A new portal has been established www.marineaggregates.info. This provides a comprehensive source of information on the use of marine aggregate in construction, provides technical information and links to sources of detailed information to assist in specifying and use of marine aggregate. The Marine Aggregate Information Centre is managed on behalf of The Crown Estate and supported by the Marine Aggregate Industry.