The Valletta Breakwaters protect Grand Harbour in Malta. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the breakwaters are Maltese listed ancient monuments.  The breakwaters were constructed circa early 1900’s during the British rule of Malta to provide protection to the Royal Navy ships which were based in Grand Harbour.

The substantial breakwaters are formed with two arms and are stone and concrete structures with a light tower at their bullnose. Chambers and rooms were constructed within the breakwaters for access and to accommodate the fairleads and winches used to pull chains across the entrance to the harbour and submarine nets during the Second World War.

CTP carried out a detailed condition survey of the structures, above and below sea level, to establish their condition. Deterioration of the internal chambers was identified which could, if left unhindered, allow the protection the breakwaters afford Grand Harbour to be compromised.

CTP designed refurbishment works and agreed their scope with the heritage section of the Malta Environment and Planning Department. The refurbishment works had to be designed so as to retain as much of the existing structures as possible and minimise the impact of new elements.

To achieve this, CTP identified the necessary method of working and construction management procedures necessary to execute the refurbishment. The breakwaters can only be assessed via boat which complicated the management of the works. For this project, CTP were appointed as Lead Consultant and Structural/Marine Engineers.