Boskalis Nederland and Van Oord have placed the first sand for reinforcement of the IJsselmeerdijk in the Netherlands, following six months of preparation. The companies are working as the IJsselmeerdijk consortium for Waterschap Zuiderzeeland.
The foreshore works are taking place in Lake IJsselmeer between the Maxima power station and the Ketelbrug. The project's official launch was held on September 2.
Van Oord said the consortium is using a spray pontoon and excavator for the initial sand placement.
“From the water, the pontoon sprays sand onto the designated location. Step by step, this creates the foundation for the future foreshore and the ecological zone behind it,” the company said.
Further sand will be placed to shape the foreshore, followed by fascine mattresses and rock armour to provide a protective covering.
The IJsselmeerdijk extends about 17.6 kilometres from the Houtribdijk near Lelystad to the Ketelbrug. Waterschap Zuiderzeeland says it is currently safe but requires reinforcement to meet newer safety requirements.
The reinforcement scheme includes a foreshore along roughly 12 kilometres of the northern section, known as the Meerdijk. The design combines a dam with shallow-water and reed areas behind it, intended to reduce wave impact on the dike and support local nature.
The remaining roughly five kilometres will receive conventional reinforcement, including replacement of the stone revetment, toe structure and asphalt, and raising of the outer berm on the southern Baaidijk.
Work on the dike that already runs from Flevokust Haven to the Maxima power station is due to begin in early 2027. The project forms part of the Netherlands' national flood-protection programme, the Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma.
