Closing storm surge barriers

Last night, the six storm surge barriers we have in the Netherlands closed. A unique event, because the last (and also first) time all the flood defenses closed was on January 3, 2018. Only then under different circumstances. In that storm season, the closure level of the Europoortkering (Maeslant and Hartel barriers) had been adjusted once to 2.60 m in order to test the barriers under stormy conditions. Yesterday was the first time the criterion of the Maeslant barrier (an expected water level of 3.00 m at Rotterdam) was reached.

Hollandia Services is involved in the maintenance of four barriers, namely: the Maeslant barrier, the Hartel barrier, the Hollandsche IJssel barrier, and the Oosterschelde barrier. Together with our main contractor Rijkswaterstaat and partners, we keep these barriers in optimal and reliable condition. We are proud to contribute to keeping the Netherlands safe from high water.

Viewing tip: Rijkswaterstaat previously made this wonderful documentary about the storm surge barriers!