Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) — Nanumea Coastal Protection
Nanumea, Tuvalu
UNDP / Green Climate Fund | 2020–2024
Works completed November 2024
Completed TCAP coastal protection works along Nanumea’s exposed western coastline.
Strengthening Nanumea’s Coastal Resilience
The final and largest outer-island stage of TCAP protects more than 1.5 kilometres of Nanumea’s western coastline — the longest continuous stretch of protection delivered under the project.
Three complementary structures work together: 1,328 metres of Berm Top Barrier raising the coastal crest to +8.0 m TGZ, a precast concrete Seabee wall of approximately 23,300 interlocking units standing +9.45 m TGZ at its centre, and seven 25-metre Reef Top Barrier sections recessed into the reef flat.
Together, they defend homes, businesses, the kindergarten, church, cemeteries and the island’s solar farm from king tides, storm surge and wave overtopping.
Project Highlights
More than 1.5 km
Coastline protected
23,300
Interlocking units in the precast concrete Seabee wall
7 × 25 metres
Reef Top Barrier sections
November 2024
Construction completed
The completed Berm Top Barrier integrated into Nanumea’s coastal landscape.
Three Complementary Coastal Protection Structures
The Nanumea scheme combines three complementary coastal protection structures designed for different conditions along the exposed western coastline.
The 1,328-metre Berm Top Barrier raises the coastal crest to +8.0 m TGZ, while the precast concrete Seabee wall provides additional protection with approximately 23,300 interlocking units. Seven 25-metre Reef Top Barrier sections recessed into the reef flat complete the protection system.
The precast concrete Seabee wall forms part of Nanumea’s integrated coastal protection system.
Engineering Through Delivery
Intercoastal led the engineering as the UNDP Engineer through design, construction supervision and the Engineer’s verification of the as-built works.
The role included resolving in-field design changes, from variable reef levels through to community-requested alignment adjustments.
Around 40 local personnel were employed and trained during delivery, with maintenance training provided to the Nanumea Kaupule to support the structures’ long design life through local capability.
Construction was completed by Hall Contracting in November 2024.
Coastal protection integrated into Nanumea’s existing vegetation and island environment.
Project Details
Client: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Funding: Green Climate Fund / UNDP
Location: Nanumea, Tuvalu
Project period: 2020–2024
Construction completed: November 2024
Contractor: Hall Contracting
Services: Coastal Engineering · Climate Adaptation & Resilience · Construction Supervision · Project Management & Delivery · Metocean Survey
