Kópavogur considers 100 metre floating breakwater

Kópavogur municipality is considering installing a 100 metre floating breakwater at Kópavogur harbour to reduce wave action during strong southwesterly winds, mbl.is reports.

The structure would consist of heavy concrete units designed to absorb the force of waves before they enter the harbour. It would be five metres wide.

The proposal was discussed by the municipal council and is justified partly by damage to boats, difficult conditions at the floating piers and wave action near new residential buildings.

The municipality says the outer harbour is exposed in southwesterly winds. When sea levels are high, water can pass over the rock defences and reach buildings.

A tourism company that began operating RIB boat tours from the harbour in 2023 suffered boat damage because of the waves. The boats subsequently had to be taken out of the water when bad weather was forecast, and the operation ended in late 2025.

Harbour users have also called for greater shelter. The Ýmir sailing club and an association of small-boat owners have said that wave action can make the floating pier dangerous to use.

The Kópavogur Scouts’ rescue team has four boats, but only one can currently remain at the floating pier. The other three are stored on trailers and must be launched when a callout is received.

The breakwater would be made from large floating concrete units extending deep into the sea. Its purpose would be to break the waves and create calmer water inside the harbour.

The top would be flat, allowing people to walk along it when weather conditions permit. It would have a railing, and access could be closed during strong winds.

A similar solution is used at Ægisgarður in Reykjavík harbour. Kópavogur municipality says the project could improve safety and facilities for small boats and rescue boats, while protecting the harbour from wave action.