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1,307,796 Meters OF MARINE BARRIERS AND COUNTING Live LIVE

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Environment
EcoCoast

Silt Curtains.

Ecocoast was the first manufacturer of the full range of silt curtains in the EMEA region. The Ecobarrier Silt Curtain range is always customized to suit specific conditions and project requirements.

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Debris Booms.

This range of debris booms is the perfect choice for projects of any size. With their durable design and reliable performance, you can trust these booms to protect your project's investments.

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Oil Booms.

If you are looking to ensure full marine protection during an oil spill - trust in our oil boom range to get it done.

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Foam Containment Booms.

Introducing Ecobarrier Foam Containment Booms – your ultimate solution for blocking and capturing large volumes of surface foam during construction.

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Coastal Protection Containers.

With these coastal protection containers, you can be sure that environmental concerns are at the forefront of our minds, meeting modern standards for sustainability. The range is designed with both flexibility and durability in mind.

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Mooring Solutions.

A sustainable mooring solution that supports life below water.

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Data Buoys.

These data buoys are designed to collect and transmit real-time environmental, oceanographic and meteorological data for environmental protection, regulatory compliance, public health, research and operations.

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Dewatering Containers.

We have developed a simple, effective dewatering solution that has proven its effectiveness in various industries. The dewatering containers are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance thanks to their superior design features.

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FAQS

The position of a silt curtain is crucial for effective sediment control and to prevent failures during a project. Best practice is to install the silt curtain at least 50 meters away from any discharge or reclamation site. This distance helps prevent the curtain from becoming submerged due to rising seabed levels and reduces the forces from strong discharges. Placing the curtain further away also allows for a larger settlement area, slows water flow beneath the curtain, and increases the volume of water contained, all of which help minimize the risk of sediment escaping and ensure the curtain remains effective throughout the project.

Leaving a gap – typically at least 0.5 meters – between the weighted lower end of the silt curtain and the seabed at Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) is essential for several reasons. This gap prevents the skirt from becoming buried by accumulating silts, which could cause the curtain to submerge as the tide rises. It also reduces the risk of the weighted skirt disturbing the seabed in waves, which can re-suspend settled particles and allow sediment to escape. Allowing water to flow underneath the curtain helps maintain its effectiveness and prevents damage or failure during changing site conditions.

The crown buoy marks the anchor’s position on the water surface, making it easy to locate, while the pickup line allows for quick release or retrieval of the anchor. Together, they simplify anchor management and help maintain the correct placement and effectiveness of the silt curtain.

When installing silt curtains, it is always better to over-anchor a silt curtain than under-anchor. Under-anchoring is a major cause of silt curtain failures and can lead to irreparable damage to the marine barrier. While over-anchoring involves a small additional initial cost,it significantly extends the curtain’s lifespan by preventing dragging, submersion or displacement during changing conditions. This proactive approach dramatically reduces project downtime, environmental risks and long-term costs associated with failures.
Proper anchoring tailored to site-specific forces (waves, currents, water depth) is critical, and Ecocoast’s Marineforce software optimizes anchor selection and spacing to ensure stability without compromising effectiveness.

Anchoring is essential in silt curtain installation because it keeps the curtain stable and correctly positioned, even in strong currents, waves or tides. Proper anchoring prevents the curtain from dragging or failing, which could lead to sediment escaping and environmental harm. Using the right anchors and mooring setup ensures the silt curtain remains effective and reliable throughout the project.

A typical silt curtain anchoring system includes several essential components designed to ensure stability and effectiveness:

  • Anchors: Usually Danforth (fluke) anchors for soft, calm seabeds or concrete/gravity anchors for harder or offshore conditions. Anchor choice depends on seabed type, water depth, wave and tidal forces and project duration.
  • Crown buoy & pickup line: The crown buoy marks the anchor’s position on the surface, while the pickup line allows for easy release or retrieval of the anchor during installation or removal.
  • Mooring chain and rope: A 2–3 meter mooring chain follows the anchor to protect the rope and provide slack for wave movement. The rope length is typically 2–3 times the water depth at high tide to maintain proper tension and angle. In rough conditions, a chain may replace the rope for added durability.
  • Anchor buoy: Acts as a shock absorber, reducing stress on the anchor line by ensuring a horizontal pull on the curtain, which helps maintain curtain position against waves and currents.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our end-to-end solutions! Our team of marine experts is ready to assist you.