Posted on January 21, 2026
Rotterdam, the Netherlands – Van Oord’s Spanish subsidiary, Dravo S.A., has signed a contract with the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) for an important coastal protection and beach nourishment project along the Portuguese coastline. This initiative aims to restore and reinforce one of Portugal’s most prominent tourist beaches, ensuring long-term resilience against erosion and supporting sustainable tourism.
The contract was formally signed by the Minister of Environment and Energy and Dravo S.A. during a local ceremony in Quarteira, underlining the strategic importance of this project for the Algarve region and the country as a whole.
Protecting the coastline for future generations
The project will focus on replenishing sand and reshaping the coastline to mitigate erosion, safeguard infrastructure, and strengthen the shoreline against the impacts of climate change. It is fully aligned with APA’s environmental policies and coastal management strategies, while preserving the attractiveness of this key destination to sustain local economic growth.
Scope of work
The scope of work of Dravo S.A. will include dredging and transporting marine sediments, profiling the beach, and replenishing sand to restore its original shape. Environmental monitoring will be conducted throughout the process to ensure compliance with APA standards. The project will enhance coastal defences, improve beach safety and usability for residents and visitors, and contribute to sustainable coastal management in Portugal.
Left to Right: F. Jesus Martin (Managing Director Dravo S.A.), José Carlos Pimenta Machado (APA President), Maria da Graça Carvalho (Minister of the Environment), Telmo Pinto (Mayor of Loulé)
