Scour Protection at the Harbor of Lübeck, Germany

Introduction & Problem Statement

In the port of Lübeck, damage to the shore and port facilities caused by scouring occurred repeatedly. These are mainly caused by the strong currents and turbulence that occur when ships maneuver. The innovative AquaRockBag® was chosen as the solution to ensure the longterm stability of the port facilities and reduce maintenance costs.

The Solution

The project specifically used 4T AquaRockBag® made from HDPE. These robust and durable bags were strategically installed in the most affected areas to control the erosion caused by the ship’s movements.

AquaRockBag® are characterized by their ability to absorb the energy of the water, effectively reducing currents. Compared to traditional solutions such as hard block revetments, which merely move erosion problems further downstream, AquaRockBag® offers a more sustainable alternative.

Advantages

• Excellent UV-resistance: HDPE is particularly resistant to UV radiation, which increases its durability and resistance in outdoor areas, specially when used in water for long periods.
• High tensile strength and tear resistance: The material is extremely resilient and can withstand heavy mechanical stresses, making it ideal for use in demanding environments such as harbors, rivers or coastlines.
• Resistance to chemicals: HDPE offers excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals that can be found in marine or industrial environments, making it a particularly robust choice.
• Long service life: The combination of material strength, UV and chemical resistance ensures that AquaRockBag® made of HDPE offers a certified service life of up to 100 years, which supports the sustainability of the solution.