Our beaches matter. Whether that’s as an attraction for tourists, as a habitat for turtles, or as a defence against hurricanes, CCell understands coastal dynamics and the critical role that our beaches and reefs play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and protecting coastlines.
Perhaps you have seen the width of your beach decrease, seen rapid fluctuations in the sand available from one season to another, or have buildings teetering on the edge of the water. CCell engineers an ecological minded solution that replicates natural coral reefs with ingenious digital interventions to provide long-term coastal protection, which you, your guests, and everyone in your local coastal community will love.
On average, they reduce wave heights by 84% and can absorb up to 97% of incident wave energy. Through this dramatic reduction in wave energy they reduce erosion.
The CCell Reef is a hi-tech solution designed to mimic natural reefs. Developed through a collaboration with experts in engineering, science, and marine biology it protects beaches, enhances the marine environment and provides a fantastic aquatic attraction for tourists.
Our reefs use a dynamic system with a safe electrical current to grow limestone rock from minerals found in seawater.
In nature, this accretion process can take hundreds of years while we develop a functional reef within a few months. In the right environment, this can evolve into a mature coral reef within three years.
The core structure is formed from lightweight modular elements that can be placed easily by hand; this avoids the need for specialist boats, docks or large cranes.
Activities including conservation diving, snorkelling, and educational experiences can all be developed around the CCell Reef.
For an additional WOW factor, the remotely controlled reef can also feature underwater cameras that beam live footage to hotel TVs and guests' mobile devices.
Adding underwater sculptures and artwork will further promote tourism appeal, enhancing the return on your investment and helping extend the marine sanctuary.
The limestone rock that bonds around the structure presents an ideal habitat for sea life to take hold and thrive.
We attract desirable marine organisms to the reef through sensing and acoustic cues, helping to create a vibrant and healthy marine ecosystem.
With 50% of coral reefs across the globe already lost and 99% under severe threat, a CCell Reef represents an opportunity for hotels to be pioneers in restoring the balance to our oceans.
From 2017 to 2019 hotels in Playa del Carmen observed a dramatic reduction in the width of their beach, losing in places over 50m of sand.
This change has been caused by the growing strength of ocean waves which has eroded the shoreline, causing beach capacities for tourists to be substantially reduced.
Through advanced simulation and design, CCell Reefs are engineered to absorb the increased wave energy and retain historic levels of wave activity along coastlines. This negates the requirement to import sand and use other costly solutions.
"We have seen a big change. We used to have very, very wide beaches in our area, and we don't have this anymore" - Manuel Paredes, Director of Riviera Maya Hotel Association.
