Boskalis Nederland has won a contract for a major sand replenishment project at the Galgeplaat and the Slikken van den Dortsman in the Oosterschelde estuary in the Netherlands.
Following the construction of the Oosterscheldekering – a series of dams and storm surge barriers that protect the Netherlands from flooding from the North Sea – tidal currents in the Oosterschelde have decreased.
As a result, less sand is naturally returned to the sandbanks, mudflats and salt marshes in this unique nature reserve. During storms, additional sand is washed into the channels, causing the sandbars to gradually shrink.
“ Rising sea levels will further accelerate this process in the years ahead. Without intervention, these valuable intertidal areas will eventually disappear below the waterline ,” said Boskalis .
By replenishing the area with 2.6 million cubic meters of new sand using a trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD), Boskalis will help preserve the Galgeplaat and Slikken van den Dortsman as vital feeding and resting habitats for at least the next 25 years.