Working with nature and against it if there is no other way. That applies to nature of beaches and dunes and to dykes where necessary.

Plan Beaufort protects the whole of the Netherlands against dangerously high water from the North Sea and our major rivers.

The Plan offers engineering solutions that can be built quickly and robustly and are economically optimal.
The solutions are based, among other things, on Beaufort's hydraulic engineering experiences with the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier and the Saemangeum closure dam in South Korea.

The Beaufort Plan comprises two principles:

  1. Along the North Sea: restore stable coastal curves as best as possible through sand replenishment and breakwaters, among other things
  2. Along the major rivers: river water corridor for Rhine and Meuse with river delta dykes

After the presentation, Beaufort would like to hear the Circle's knowledge and ideas and engage in discussion on the following dilemmas:

  • Water distribution in the Pannerdensch Canal, pitfalls?
  • Reconnecting Maas and Waal, useful?
  • Designing the sea delta, safe and naturally possible?
  • Freshwater a problem?

(Questions can be submitted in advance to e-mail address: g.a.beaufort@gmail.com)



Ing. Gé A. Beaufort is of Zeeland origin. He worked at Rijkswaterstaat from 1969 to 2010. He started at the Scheldt-Rhine Canal with dykes and dredging work. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier followed with the design and construction of the sills. From 1985, he worked on the design of the pumped storage plant with dike heights between 25 and 100m.

Then on dike reinforcements at Sliedrecht, storm surge barrier and dikes at Ramspol and developing a costing system for dike improvements throughout the Netherlands (ISOS). Among other things, he gave lectures for PAO and UT. Beaufort has also worked, from Rijkswaterstaat, abroad.

Currently, Beaufort is associated with the Delta Commissioner as an external planner.


Drinks will start at 18:00 and the meal will follow punctually at 19:00, after which the lecture can start at 20:00. End around 22:00.

Further information or registration can be obtained via: kringrotterdam@kivi.nl

Please note that a payment link to pay the participation fee will be sent in advance.