A project to restore the reefs for the endangered coral, locally known as Ögonkorallen (Desmophyllum pertusum), was initiated by the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland and the University of Gothenburg in 2019. Thomas Concrete Group’s research laboratory C-lab and the Swedish subsidiary Thomas Betong are behind the development of this unique concrete.
“For this specific coral and other organisms to thrive and colonize the area, the concrete needs to have a low pH value. For this project, we tested five different compositions to determine which recipe works best,” says Ingemar Löfgren, Research and Development Manager at Thomas Concrete Group.
Using concrete in marine environments is not new
This project is close to our hearts
Previously, there were reefs for the coral in six locations in Kosterfjorden. However, bottom trawling and other human activities have reduced this to only two remaining reefs. Giving the coral reefs a chance to regrow is also crucial for the survival of other species. Over 1,300 different species have been observed at these reefs, including commercially important fish species like cod.
“This project is close to our hearts. We are very happy to contribute with our technical expertise to a more vibrant marine environment. The project demonstrates the enormous potential of concrete as a building material not only on land but also in water,” says Hans Karlander, CEO of Thomas Concrete Group.
The project is co-financed by the EU LIFE program and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. It will continue until 2025. In addition to researchers from the University of Gothenburg, the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland is also a part of the project.
