Austrian group Cobod’s 3D construction printing technology is helping restore marine biodiversity in Danish harbors by enabling large-scale deployment of artificial reef modules.
In partnership with StoneReefs (part of 3DCP Group) the custom-designed modules are printed on a Cobod BOD2 3D Construction printer and are installed in several harbours across Denmark with more locations to follow.
Crew installs 3D printed StoneReefs modules on a steel sheet piling quay wall. The modules fit within the wall indentations, adding underwater habitat without interrupting daily harbour operations.
The Danish group said BOD2 printer enables custom reef-textured modules that integrate seamlessly into quay sheet pile walls without disrupting port operations
Modern ports rely on vertical steel sheet pile walls that are efficient for docking but harsh on marine ecosystems. With the precision of 3D printing, Stonereefs produces reef-textured concrete modules that mount seamlessly onto these quay walls.
The layered surfaces, grooves, and cavities create micro-habitats that support smaller marine organisms. These features are difficult and costly to reproduce with traditional molds, yet with 3D printing they become repeatable and scalable.
Within only a few months underwater the modules attract algae, mussels and smaller fish and in Fredericia harbor even cod and eel have returned.
Within five months, the artificial reefs show algae growth and the return of fish.
The modules are printed using CO₂-reduced cement and local aggregates combined with a proportion of crushed mussel shells that help larvae settle and speed up colonization. This material approach is made possible through Cobod’s open-source material strategy and has been developed with partners such as Holcim.
Cobod’s open-source material strategy allows StoneReefs to add mussel shells into the material mix, attracting larvae and accelerating colonization.
Installations are supported by leading organizations including Orsted and Sund & Baelt and in collaboration with WWF Denmark and By & Havn.
Students have taken part by designing their own reef concepts and observing the developments through underwater viewers and live camera feeds that allow the students to follow the reef’s growth in real time.
“3D printing lets us improve biodiversity without disturbing harbor activities” said Mikkel Brich, co-founder and CEO of 3DCP Group and Stonereefs.
“We make modules that match the wall geometry to not interfere with daily operations but provide the textures marine life needs. We experience that when you give nature a foothold life, returns within months,” stated Brich.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder and General Manager of Cobod International, said: "It is great to see our 3D construction printing technology at work just around the corner from our headquarters in Nordhavn Harbor. Stonereefs shows the benefits of our technology including the design freedom, material flexibility through our open materials approach and scalability."
"These strengths can be applied to many offshore and marine applications that help restore biodiversity. The project demonstrates how construction technology can serve both industry and nature, with potential for wider marine and offshore applications," he added.-TradeArabia News Service