Port of Hirtshals meets Aalborg University:
Storm of the century hits port expansion
Waves are crashing down on the construction with immense force. The storm of the century, one might call it. Fortunately, the power of the elements is only a simulation taking place in a wave basin at Aalborg University, where the first element of the port expansion in Hirtshals is now being closely examined.
A piece of Port of Hirtshals has moved into the laboratory at the Department of the Built Environment at Aalborg University. Stones and blocks have been stacked in a precise formation, replicating the breakwater that will form the first part of the upcoming port expansion in Hirtshals.
In the impressive wave basin, powerful waves crash over the structure while representatives from the university and the port observe calmly. The basin simulates wave conditions ranging from average weather to the kind of extreme storm only seen once in a hundred years.
The first phase of the expansion of Port of Hirtshals focuses on improving navigational conditions through a wider fairway and an extension of the outer western breakwater. It is elements of this extended breakwater that are now being tested.
- Throughout the testing period here at Aalborg University, we gain critical information about how to build a strong and cost-effective structure. Extending the western breakwater is no simple task, and it’s essential that every decision is carefully considered. These tests allow us to simulate conditions and obtain results that strengthen the project and increase predictability, says Niels Kiersgaard, CTO and responsible for the port expansion at Port of Hirtshals.
Research meets reality
At its deepest point, the extended western breakwater at the Port of Hirtshals will measure an impressive 22 metres from top to bottom. A structure equivalent to a seven-story building, placing high demands on its design. The breakwater must also withstand some of the most extreme conditions in Denmark, where strong westerly winds, powerful currents, and heavy waves are constant factors. This is why the tests at Aalborg University are such an important piece of the overall puzzle for the the expansion.
At the Department of the Built Environment, two 3D models in the scale of 1:46 of the extended breakwater are being tested over a period of three months. The first model represents the outer section, which faces the strongest wave and current impact, while the second model replicates the inner section, where waves can hit the structure at an angle of up to 45 degrees.
- With more than 30 years of research experience in testing physical models for ports and coastal structures, it’s still incredibly exciting to work with the challenging ports along the West Coast. We also expect to see some scientifically very interesting results from these tests, says Thomas Lykke Andersen, Associate Professor at the Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University.
A Step Closer to the Port Expansion
- We are pleased to take yet another step forward towards the port expansion here in Hirtshals. We are working with strong partners and stakeholders and look forward to seeing the first stone placed on the western breakwater — hopefully by late 2026 or early 2027, says Niels Kiersgaard, CTO at Port of Hirtshals.
Port of Hirtshals approaches the construction phase of the expansion with great attention to safety, quality, and respect for daily port operations. At this stage, the first phase of the project is expected to be completed before 2030.
Visualisation of Nordhavnen
The vision for the complete port expansion, called Nordhavnen, includes a new entrance channel and an outer port basin, additional quay meters and ro/ro berths, as well as the establishment of marshaling and commercial areas.
Information about the Ocean and Coastal Engineering Laboratory
- Measurements: 14.6 m x 19.3 m x 1.5 m (length x width x depth) with an active test area of 13 x 8 m.
- Capacity: approximately 400 m3 water (400,000 liters).
- Advanced hardware and software make it possible to generate waves that accurately replicate those found in nature.
- Involved in the testing and optimisation of outer breakwaters for many Danish and international ports.
- Read more here: https://www.en.build.aau.dk/lab/ocean-and-coastal-engineering
