i-MARECO Performance and life cycle of port infrastructure

Port infrastructure must fulfil its functions over a lengthy period of service. This demands surveillance from the design stage accompanied by appropriate maintenance. The infrastructure is also exposed to severe weather conditions and so is prone to deterioration relating to materials, damage to components, settlement of foundations and possible scouring and sedimentation while in service.

A sensible and efficient approach to design now involves introducing a vision of the infrastructure life cycle and thus integrating expected performance requirements into the cycle of use and surveillance and maintenance procedures.

The i-MARECO project will therefore develop an overall cost strategy for maritime infrastructure by putting in place surveillance systems (multi-sensor instrumentation) that will optimise management and performance over time as well as contribute to feedback.

The i-MARECO project will be based on the major works (‘Grand Quai’ development project) which are being carried out by Bouygues at the maritime port of Nantes/Saint Nazaire. The works involve construction of a 350-metre General Cargo and Container Terminal situated at Montoir.