Maeslantkering

The Maeslantkering is most recent and the last of the works of the Plan Delta with the Netherlands.

Raising of dams

In original the Delta plan, no closing of the the Western Scheldt and Nieuwe Waterweg had been considered, it to allow the accessibility the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam. However, the dams of the two inland waterways were to be raised. In the middle of the Years 1980, it however appeared that the projected dams were not sufficiently high to guarantee an unquestionable protection of the very populated territories of the southernmost Holland. It would result a substantial increase from it from the costs of these works.

For this reason, it was required an alternative, which would take the form of a mobile stopping. There existed already a mobile stopping on the the Thames (), but that of Nieuwe Waterweg was to be much larger. The decision of construction of this work was made in 1987.

Stopping

The stopping consists of two monumental doors. When the stopping is opened, the doors are arranged on the dry land. Un computer automatically decides closing of the stopping at the time of an imminent high tide. This arrives when the water level with Rotterdam exceeds the NAP of more than 3 meters. The doors (of a radius of 22 210 meters meters and long, floating on water from their density close to this one), are closed again then. The moment when the doors are touched almost, the pressure of the current on the work ensures an effective closing of Nieuwe Waterweg. To prevent detrimental shocks between the various parts of the work, a small opening is left. The joints of the two doors required technological innovations for their construction: they had to be envisaged to authorize not only for the closing and the opening of the doors, but they must also allow a slip of the doors upwards like downwards. With a diameter of 10 meters, they are the largest hinges carried out in the world.

Horizontal displacements of the doors are ensured by redundant engines 5 Cylindre S providing an oil push. This technique was selected for its reliability and its capacity required a constant power independently of the current. The mechanical force of the engine is transmitted via gears and belts. The engines themselves were hung vertically to be able to work independently of the water level.

Maeslantkering was inaugurated in June 1997. The cost of the work was assembled to approximately 800 million Florin S (approximately 360 million Euro).

Information center

On northern bank of Maeslantkering (close to Maasdijk, between the Hoek van Holland and the Maassluis) touve the Keringshuis ( House of the stopping ), a free information center. In this center various information on the related Maeslantkering and achievements is given.

Test of closing

To test Maeslantkering, this one is closed once per annum. In 2005, this closing intervened on October 1st.

The first closing in emergency

Maeslantkering was actuated for the first time in real situation in the night from Thursday the 8th to Friday, November 9 because of the strong storm which swept the coasts of the north of Europe, of Norway in Great Britain.

External bonds

Official site

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