Acta Marine vessels busy on Afsluitdijk Project

Acta Marine’s two most ultra-shallow vessels are deployed in support of the iconic Afsluitdijk Project in the Netherlands. 

“Often working closely together, the multifunctional 39m, DP multicat Coastal Enterprise and our recently acquired 20 TBP ultra-shallow Shoalbuster Coastal Roamer are working on reinforcing the 32,5 kilometer long dike,” said the company.

Coastal Roamer and Coastal Enterprise are being deployed for a broad range of marine activities, including the transportation of barges in ultra-shallow waters.

“After having shown their true worth to the client, both vessels and their crew were delegated the challenging task of loading rock barges on even keel, to achieve the desired draft in order to reach the shallows near the dike,” Acta Marine said.

The Afsluitdijk is protecting the Netherlands from the sea for more than eighty years. However, the dyke no longer meets the current requirements for flood protection.

Under the project, the body of the dyke will be widened and raised by about 2 meters and the cladding on the outer side will be replaced. Concrete blocks will be placed over the existing basalt blocks on the lower slope.

These ‘Levvel blocks’ weigh 6,500 kilograms each and have a wave retardant effect.

Because of their symmetry and the regular way they are positioned, the blocks have a tranquil appearance that reinforces the austere and autonomous character of the dyke.

Every block will be GPS chipped, making them easy to inspect and maintain.

The Afsluitdijk is from great value for the Netherlands and is being used for safety, traffic across the roads and waters, cultural history, recreation and more. Because of these reasons, it is vital to upkeep the dyke.