In recent years, artificial reefs have become an increasingly attractive alternative for coastal protection. Artificial reefs can be used to protect or restore beaches and at the same time create an environment conducive for the growth of marine life.

The HEX-REEF (PI9908213), a composite system of concrete units developed by NAHRIM, is one such product designed for this dual purpose and provides an alternative to the use of rocks as construction material.Whilst possessing a simple, blockish design, the Hex-Reef units can be configured into several coastal and bank protection systems such as groynes, breakwaters and retaining walls. Its construction is not complex and the configurations may comprise of one, two or three layers of Hex-Reef units.

The first Hex-Reef structure in the form of a groyne was constructed at Pulau Layang-layang, 200 km northeast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in 1997. This groyne was designed to build up a section of beach. Following this, the Hex-Reef was used to build a cluster of mini-breakwaters with the purpose of creating a calm foreshore environment for another section of beach.

Laboratory studies have been conducted to assess the stability of the Hex-Reef under extreme conditions. From these studies, some design solutions for near shore applications have been developed.

Research into the successful application of the Hex-Reef as a coral host is also ongoing. Under its Artificial Reef research programme, NAHRIM continues to explore several designs and systems as it strives towards producing engineering solutions with environmental benefits.