Smart choice for the marina

The dock in Grötvik marina, a marina located on the west coast of Sweden, are built using grating supplied by Weland. This isn’t something that’s happened by chance. 

– Using grating in a marina, which is an environment that is continually exposed to harsh wind and weather conditions, has many benefits, says Joakim Stare. He is the President of the Grötvik Sailing Club, which has leased the marina from Halmstad Municipality since 1962.

Stare says that the harsh winds and storms that batter this part of the Swedish coast cause the water level in the marina to rise significantly, usually a couple of times a year and sometimes enough to completely submerge the marina docks. So he’s grateful that the decision was made to install grating instead of wooden docks, as the grating allows water to pass through instead of creating pressure and lifting force, minimising the risk of damage.

– The big advantages of grating are its weight and permeability, compared to a wooden bridge that lifts and, in a worst case scenario, can break apart under tidal forces, says Stare. 

He goes on to say that the grating docks in Grötvik marina have stood exactly where they are for at least the past 15 years. 

– And I don’t think we’ll be needing to replace them any time soon, he adds.

A dock that lasts

Wooden docks that are continually exposed to changing water levels and the motion of waves can quickly become damaged. In contrast to wood, which requires regular cleaning and application of protective treatments, grating requires minimal maintenance and is highly resistant to the effects of corrosion.

– Grating also gives a high grip surface. When water can’t collect and pool, the risk of slipping is reduced. We all know how slippery a wooden dock can be when it’s wet, says Stare.

Published: 2024-08-12