Prince Albert visited the Industrial Port of Marseille on Friday, November 24, where the company Bouygues TP is building major components as part of the infrastructure for the future land extension at Anse du Portier in Monaco.
The Sovereign Prince was able to inspect at close hand the detailed work that goes into the manufacture of the caissons.
This new district off Larvotto will be protected from the effects of waves by a belt of these large watertight chambers. Each has a box structure, 56m long x 50m wide x 27m high. This is the first time such a massive structure of this kind has been built in France.
The caissons have been designed and developed to meet the precise needs of the Monaco construction site. In total, 18 caissons, each weighing 10,000 tonnes, will be manufactured.
A technique of continuous concrete pouring by means of sliding formwork is being used to allow the construction of each box in one piece.
The Prince has been in constant contact with the teams working on the caissons and has been following progress very closely.
Seven hundred people are employed in Marseille and the region for these operations.
Article first published November 26, 2017.