E-Dredger “Albatros” owned by Herbosch-Kiere at work in the port of Ostend

The top layer of the sea defense consists of so-called Haro blocks, each weighing in at 15 tons. The longitudinal dikes are needed to increase the accessibility of the port for larger sea going vessels and at the same time protect the city against flooding.

Recently, the construction of these dams in the Port of Ostend has taken off. The eastern part is already taking shape nicely while the western part still needs more work.

In the meantime, the complete area is being dredged. For this, the dredging vessel ‘Pinocchio’ – especially brought in from South-Africa – is being used. These impressive works can be followed closely from the ‘Westerstaketsel’ which will remain open to the public throughout the project.

The contractor is the consortium ‘THV Stene-Twins’ (consisting of DEME, Depret and Herbosch-Kiere) and the client is the Flemish Government. The project cost is 90 million Euro and the projected finish date is the end of 2015.