Last April, the South dock gate was lifted out under ideal weather conditions. Last week, the North dock gate of the Maeslant Barrier followed. And once again: clear blue skies and sunshine. It could hardly have been better.
This giant structure – measuring 14 metres high, 27 metres wide, 3 metres thick and weighing 370 tonnes (including marine growth) – was lifted with the utmost precision by the floating crane Matador 3 before being transported to our yard in Krimpen aan den IJssel.
Before major maintenance can begin, the dock gate must first be cleared of all marine growth, such as oysters, cockles and silt. Our service technicians then inspect and clean hundreds of components, replacing them where necessary. After this thorough overhaul, both dock gates will be ready for another 20 years of service.
Did you know that the dock gates themselves do not provide flood protection? That role is performed by the Maeslant Barrier’s iconic white storm surge gates. You have probably seen them before. When the dock gates close off the dock, they help regulate the water level inside. They also make maintenance on the storm surge gates possible and protect them from potential external damage.
The North dock gate is scheduled to be reinstalled in week 30.
Curious to learn more about the project? Watch the video below.
Commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, Hollandia Services is carrying out major maintenance on the dock gates and their associated components. Hundreds of parts are inspected, cleaned and, where necessary, replaced. After this thorough overhaul, both dock gates will be ready for another 20 years of service.