Work resumed in 1803 under the orders of First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte (decree of 25 Germinal year XI), as part of the plans invade the United Kingdom. From 1803, protected from British attacks, Cherbourg became a haven for privateers. The breakwater was discontinued after 1813, to be resumed in 1830 and completed in 1853. The engineer Joseph Cachin continued building the military port to the west of the town, the avant-port of which was opened on 27 August 1813 by Empress Marie-Louise. It was decided to establish the Arsenal in the same place.