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Floating Breakwaters

Along with our commercial floating dock systems, Kropf Marine also manufactures floating breakwater / wave attenuator structures for marina and harbour protection. In many locations a floating attenuator represents a cost-effective alternative to a permanent breakwater, and it is typically easier to obtain permits for a floating structure.

 These rugged steel floating structures are specifically designed for the distinct requirements and criteria of each site. A variety of designs are available, depending on the site exposure and level of protection required. 

Kropf can handle the entire process, from the design and fabrication of the system to delivery and installation.

Construction

Our general design concept features large diameter spiral welded steel tubes as the floatation and main structural element of each section. A welded baffle structure is suspended below the float tubes to dissipate and reflect the wave energy, thus sheltering the boats and facilities in the lee of the wave attenuator.

All steel surfaces are sandblasted and spray-coated with our advanced Devoe "Bar-Rust" epoxy application process for longevity.

Sections are joined together with a high-strength semi-flexible connection system that has been developed through years of experience working in harsh environments.

These breakwater structures are typically moored in place with heavy duty galvanized anchor chain secured to massive concrete weights set on the lakebed. At high-energy locations, our exclusive shock-absorbing canisters are utilized in combination with the concrete anchors and chain.

Our floating wave attenuators can also be supplied complete with a wood deck and fascia boards to allow the structure to be used as a combination breakwater and floating dock. Where possible, stabilizer finger docks with rigid attachment frames are added to the lee side of the structure, offering additional boats slips while improving the performance of the attenuator.

Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center – Burlington, Vermont

Located on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, this project was installed to protect the floating docks and launch facilities of the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center. The exposure at this location ranges from 13 to 14 kilometers (eight to nine miles).

This diffuser wave attenuator is a stand-alone system with stabilizing fingers. It is designed to be submerged in the winter months, and is anchored in place using 6 ton concrete anchor blocks and galvanized chain.


CFB Kingston Yacht Club

Located in Kingston, Ontario on the shores of Lake Ontario, this project was installed to shelter an existing Yacht Club’s floating dock facilities. Exposure at this location is up to 22 kilometers (14 miles).

This diffuser wave attenuator is a stand-alone system with stabilizing fingers. It remains in place year around, and is anchored using several sizes of concrete anchor blocks and galvanized chain.

 

Tiffin Harbour Marina

Located in Midland, Ontario on Georgian Bay, this project was installed as part of a new marina and condominium development. Exposure at this location is seven to eight kilometers (four to five miles).

This box style wave attenuator is decked, includes stabilizing fingers, and serves as an integrated part of the floating dock system itself. Utilizing the attenuator as a dock as well saves both space and cost. This system remains in place year around, and is anchored using 6 ton concrete anchor blocks and galvanized chain.