Launch Preparation Begins With Environmental Impact Assessment

One of the most asked questions that we receive is “How will you put Ceiba into the water?” It seems like an insurmountable feat yet in fact ships like this have been launching for many centuries with far fewer resources. The more interesting question is “How will Ceiba be launched in the most environmentally friendly way possible?” In other words, how do we build the necessary launch infrastructure with the lowest impact to the environment.

The shipyard is surrounded on three sides by protected mangroves with direct water access less then 100 meters in front of the ship. Previous zoning of the property as a commercial boat launch was a major reason for selection of the site. This zoning occurred before the mangroves fell under protection and was grandfathered in. This exception allows us to build closer to the water then would be possible today and provides all the benefits from one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

According to One Tree Planted “Mangroves are among the most carbon rich forests in the tropics. Mangrove forests are capable of storing 10 times more carbon than terrestrial ecosystems, putting them at the frontline of climate change.” There are up to 20 million hectares of mangroves in the world and we are proud to protect our share. People working on Ceiba can enjoy sharing the space with the roseate spoonbills, iguanas, caimans and all the hundreds of species of birds that live in the mangroves.

The mangroves next to the shipyard outline an estuary that empties into the Gulf of Nicoya.

“Although mangroves make up less than one per cent of all tropical forests around the world, they have a critical role in mitigating climate change. Mangrove soils are highly effective carbon sinks, locking away large quantities of carbon and stopping It from entering the atmosphere. In addition, they are vital in helping society adapt to climate change impacts, reducing the impact of storms and sea-level rise.” United Nations, Environment Program

Ceiba lays less then 100 meters from the waters edge but a long tidal flat means additional work will need to be done to execute the launch.

An important part of selecting the lowest impact launch solution is to have a deep understanding of the ground we stand on. To begin we conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment. This report will also be used for permitting and approval from the strict Costa Rican environmental agencies.

The Environmental Impact Assessment consists of three phases: field sampling, laboratory studies and preparation of documentation. The study is being carried about by the company LGC Geotechnical. They often work with regulatory bodies in processes like this and are specialized in geotechnical studies. They offer topographical, geophysical, and hydrological services, among others, with offices throughout Costa Rica.

LGC Geotechnical visited our shipyard a few weeks ago in order to take samples to be used in their laboratory located in San José, the capital of Costa Rica.

According to Ahmed Aldi, Engineering Director of LGC, these samples will be used to study the bedrock extracted from beneath the mangroves and the soil where potential structures may be placed. Samples were also taken to measure the composition of the soil, the depth between the mud, the bedrock and the surface as well as the bearing capacity of the soil.

Geotechnica scientists drill deep into the mangrove floor to measure the soil and bedrock density.

Once we have a better understanding of where we stand then the available options will be narrowed down. The relevant documents will be prepared and the environmental feasibility permits will be issued by the National Environmental Technical Secretariat.

John Porras, Corporate Manager of SAILCARGO INC. assured that the idea for the construction of the structure will be as low impact and as least invasive as the results of the study will allow.