175th Anniversary of the Alderney Breakwater

In 2018, Alderney’s Breakwater was named one of the top 200 most influential engineering projects in the world.

The project was highlighted by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) on its 200th anniversary, as the organisation seeks to highlight how civil engineering projects have shaped the world and transformed lives.

Started in 1847 and completed in 1864 (although ongoing repairs extended the contract), the breakwater was built to protect the harbour and was part of the new Braye Harbour – built by engineer Thomas Jackson, who had previously been involved in the construction of railways and canals.

Graeme Falla, Head of Project Services, States of Guernsey, commented:

“Everyone in Alderney knows the significance of the breakwater to life on the Island. It is an honour to have it recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers, as one of 200 people or projects that have transformed lives during the past 200 years of the Institution. To see it, as the sole Channel Island project, sitting next to other recent iconic projects such as the Channel Tunnel and the Eden Project, emphasises how significant a civil engineering achievement the breakwater is.”