New Dutch Coastline Takes Shape
The construction of Maasvlakte 2 is proceeding according to plan. Over a quarter of the necessary sand was applied during the last year by contractors’ consortium PUMA. The trailing suction hopper dredgers have started to create two islands in the North Sea. One of these is already over 4 km long and has been ‘secured’ to the old coastline.
- construction of Maasvlakte 2 on schedule
- a quarter of the sand has been sprayed on
- innovative design for sea defences
In February 2010, a start will be made on the construction of the first quay wall for a container terminal, as well as the building of the hard sea defences on the northwest side of Maasvlakte 2. A new design has been made for this dyke, both cheaper and more nature friendly.
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Stones for the hard sea defences
The hard sea defences will be made up of a sand core, with several layers of stone on top. This will involve a total of around 7 million tonnes of hydraulic engineering stone. 5 million tonnes will come from European quarries. The first shipment of stones from Norway is expected in mid-December. 2 million tonnes will be recycled from the existing block dam around the Maasvlakte. In the spring of 2010, PUMA will begin piling up the concrete blocks for this dam. At the same time, a start will be made on the construction of the so-called E-Crane. This enormous crane, which has a lifting capacity of 50 tonnes and a reach of 63 metres, is being built specially for the construction of Maasvlakte 2.The unique E-Crane will begin bringing in the concrete blocks and rubble for the hard sea defences in April 2010.
Author: Port of Rotterdam Authority
Read the full article on http://www.maasvlakte2.com/en/news/show/id/770
