The symbolic unveiling of the first caisson of the Portier land extension project on Thursday night marked a major step towards the realisation of the ambitious project that will involve increasing the land area of Monaco by six hectares.

Many guests were invited by SAM Anse du Portier, which is directing the project, to attend an unveiling in the presence of HSH the Sovereign Prince on board a launch. He was accompanied by Andrea Casiraghi, Martin Bouygues, CEO of Bouygues, Guy Thomas Levy-Soussan, Managing Director of SAM L’Anse du Portier, Serge Telle, Minister of State, and Monseigneur Barsi, Archbishop of Monaco, who blessed the structure.

The ceremony marked the first visible step in what represents an emblematic project for the Principality, the Government said. Seventeen other caissons will join the first one over the next 12 months, to form a protective belt designed to counter the effects of sea swells. The maritime infrastructure will be fully completed by 2020.

The land extension will cover 60,000 square metres, and will include a public park of one hectare, 3,000 square metres of shops, a 9,000 square-metre extension to the Grimaldi Forum, a port, housing, offices and more public facilities, including a 160-space car park.