Water & sanitation
Renovation of an Oyster Basin
Overview
Cracks appearing in an oyster basin

A BIT OF HISTORY
Located on the Atlantic coast, the Île d’Oléron is one of the historical cradles of French oyster farming.
Since the 19th century, its marshes and oyster basins have shaped the landscape and supported generations of producers.
These basins, built using traditional masonry, are used for depuration and purification before oysters are sold.
Exposed to a harsh marine environment — alternating salt water, tides, and weather — they require regular maintenance to preserve watertightness and structural integrity.
Over time, the basin’s walls developed cracks, causing water infiltration and reducing efficiency.
Renovation was essential to ensure the structure’s durability and the continuity of this emblematic local activity.
PROJECT
The goal was to restore an oyster basin damaged by infiltration, while meeting sanitary and environmental standards specific to oyster farming.
The project aimed to:
Repair cracks and material loss.
Restore watertightness.
Use a material compatible with seawater and immersion cycles.
PROMPT Vicat natural cement was chosen for its unique properties: fast setting, resistance in wet and saline environments, and long-term durability.
RESTORATION
Repair Steps

Implementation
Cracks were carefully cleaned and filled with a PROMPT natural cement-based mortar.
Weakened areas were reinforced with local masonry repairs. Finally, the entire basin was checked to verify watertightness and stability before refilling.
A Sustainable Solution
PROMPT cement proved to be the ideal choice for this type of project thanks to its inherent qualities:
fast setting even in wet environments, reduced intervention time, excellent resistance to seawater, and perfect compatibility with traditional materials.
This 100% natural, French-produced material offers a durable, eco-friendly solution perfectly suited to marine environments.
Completed Project
The basin has been refilled.

Full Restoration
Thanks to this intervention, the oyster basin has regained both its functionality and original appearance.
Fully watertight and resistant, it now ensures optimal purification conditions.
This project highlights the essential role of PROMPT Vicat natural cement in preserving traditional maritime structures, combining technical performance with respect for local craftsmanship.
Key Information
Contracting authority
Ostréiculteur
Duration of the works
1 semaine
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Discover our product
Discover our product
Derived from a unique deposit located in the Chartreuse massif, PROMPT natural cement is an exclusive product of the Vicat Group.