A JACK-UP barge has arrived off the Bournemouth coast for drilling repair works.

The structure can be seen in the sea at the end of the long groyne near Hengistbury Head where it will remain throughout August.

It has been installed as part of the upgrade and repair of the entire long groyne for which boreholes of up to 20 metres in depth will be drilled into it using a rotary drilling rig.

The long groyne was closed to the public for safety reason following an inspection in 2019 when it was revealed it to be in a very poor condition.

Read more: Jack-up barge set to arrive in sea off Hengistbury Head

Several voids were discovered in the foundations below the waterline, with an associated risk of collapse.

Jack-up barge installed in the sea off Hengistbury Head. Picture: Mike Moore

Activity around the long groyne includes underwater surveys to map out the depth and land beneath the surface while borehole investigations will show the composition of the ground below the structure.

Working 24 hours a day, the barge will take boreholes from five seabed locations immediately beside the long groyne.

Read more: Hengistbury Head long groyne investigations for major repair

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place said: “The 83-year-old structure has been critical in stabilising and controlling coastal erosion in both Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay.

“Without the long groyne, beach material would rapidly wash away, and the cliffs could start to erode again.”

All data collected from the drilling will help refine the design for the new long groyne structure to ensure the stability of the coastline and protection against rising sea levels over the next 100 years.

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