Visiting the Maeslant barrier
We had real Dutch weather when we visited The Maeslantkering on 17 May last. Blue sky with clouds and a fresh breeze. The turnout was also very high, reaching the maximum possible number of participants.
First, an employee of the Keringshuis told us about the construction of the barrier and a film with historical facts was shown "The Netherlands and the water". Many questions were asked. It was clear that the subject of Dry Feet is very much alive. We were then given a glimpse into the future of climate change. Among other things, the "water story square" explained what is being done in the Netherlands to prevent flooding. Highly recommended for a visit with your children or grandchildren!
We were given a guided tour of the barrier. SHERPA's Operations Manager also walked with us and many substantive questions were answered on the spot again, about the maintenance of the steel pipes, the embankment and the site paving. Arriving at the doors, there was also a pump placed outside, so we could see, with what kind of pumps the floats (doors) are pumped out.
Finally, inside the culvert room, we were told how maintenance by the Department of Public Works has now been outsourced to SHERPA. Berrie Schouwenaars and Ron van Crugten of Hollandia Services told us about the assignments, which include preventive maintenance as well as fault repair. Someone may also participate on behalf of SHERPA in the Operational Team, which comes into action when the Closure Process for the barrier starts. The visit ran late, which we only see as positive. At the farewell drink, it remained convivial for a long time.
Description
The Maeslant barrier is located in the Nieuwe Waterweg near Hoek van Holland and was built between 1991 and 1997. The structure is fully automatically controlled and forms the Europoortkering together with the Hartel barrier and the Rozenburg dike widening. The Maeslant barrier is an upstream barrier, which means it takes the first hits during high water from the sea. With this, the storm surge barrier protects the inhabitants of Zuid-Holland.
Last winter, it was necessary, that not only the Maeslant barrier but also the other 4 barriers: Hartel barrier, Oosterschelde barrier, Ramspolkering and Hollandse IJssel barrier, had to close. This was on Wednesday 3 January 2018 with storm and spring tide. By the way, the storm season continues until 15 April. As a Dutchman, you must have been at the Maeslantkering once, our two Eifel Towers on the water are a piece of Dutch Hydraulic Engineering Craftsmanship. No flood barrier in the world has larger moveable parts than the Maeslant barrier. This Delta work can withstand a tidal wave of 5 m above NAP.
Contractor combination SHERPA Storm Surge Barriers is currently carrying out maintenance for Rijkswaterstaat. We have found Berrie Schouwenaars of the combination willing to tell us something about the Maeslant barrier. He is SHERPA's Technical Operational Manager on behalf of Hollandia Services. His Hollandia colleague Ron van Crugten will also be present. Together they will explain what the daily maintenance of the barrier entails and what the special features are. You will get information about the contract form and what activities are carried out by SHERPA VOF Stormvloedkeringen.
The programme is as follows:
14.15 reception at Keringhuis
14. 30 - 16.00
Guided tour starting with the film "The Netherlands and the water".
Explanation at the "water story square" about what is being done in the Netherlands to counter flooding.
Explanation at the map of South Holland about the final piece of the Delta Works "The Maeslantkering".
Walk on the site of the barrier (outside) with on-site explanations.
16.00h in Duikerzaal
Upon entering, coffee and presentation on behalf of SHERPA Stormvloedkeringen vof about maintenance on the Maeslantkering by Berrie Schouwenaars and Ron van Crugten of Hollandia Services.
17h00 Closing
The maximum number of visitors has been capped at 40 people due to the tour. So register quickly.
We would like to receive your registration no later than 1 May.
We look forward to meeting you on Thursday 17 May at the Keringhuis in Hoek van Holland
Location
Maeslantkeringweg 139, 3151 ZZ Hoek van Holland
Organiser
Maintenance
Name and contact details for information
Linda Docters van Leeuwen