The new pumping station and discharge sluices at the Afsluitdijk in the Netherlands have officially been put into operation, marking the completion of the large-scale reinforcement and modernisation of one of the country's most important pieces of infrastructure.

Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Vincent Karremans officially inaugurated the new infrastructure at Den Oever on 1 October, alongside representatives from client Rijkswaterstaat, Invesis consortium Levvel and project partners.

The milestone represents the final stage of one of the Netherlands' largest hydraulic engineering projects of recent years.

Stretching 32 kilometres between North Holland and Friesland, the Afsluitdijk has protected the Netherlands from flooding for more than 90 years. The extensive programme of works undertaken over the past eight years has strengthened and modernised the flood defence to help it continue performing this vital role in a changing climate.

Adapting an icon for a changing climate

The programme has included strengthening and raising the Afsluitdijk, constructing a new pumping station and discharge sluices, and installing new storm surge barriers at Den Oever and Kornwerderzand.

Six powerful pumps at Den Oever now provide a combined capacity of 275 cubic metres of water per second.

Water will continue to be discharged naturally from the IJsselmeer into the Wadden Sea whenever conditions allow. However, as sea levels rise, there are fewer opportunities to do this using gravity alone. When natural discharge is not possible, the new pumps can remove excess water and help manage water levels in the IJsselmeer.

Together, the new pumping station and discharge sluices provide 45% more capacity to discharge water into the Wadden Sea.

The works have been undertaken while the Afsluitdijk has continued performing its essential flood-defence function and while road and shipping connections remained operational.

Long-term partnership

Invesis is a long-term investor in the Afsluitdijk PPP and has been involved in the project since the Levvel consortium was selected by Rijkswaterstaat.

While this milestone marks the completion of the major reinforcement and modernisation works, Invesis' involvement in the Afsluitdijk continues through the long-term PPP concession.

Johan Vergeer, Senior Project Director in Invesis' and SPC Director, represented Levvel at the official opening event.

Johan participated in the official ceremony alongside representatives of Rijkswaterstaat and project partners, including the presentation of a commemorative book to Minister Karremans and Jan Lely. He also represented Levvel in the signing of the operating protocol and addressed guests during the afternoon programme.

The milestone recognises the contribution of hundreds of engineers, technicians, hydraulic engineering specialists, site managers and other professionals who have contributed to strengthening and modernising the Afsluitdijk.


Link: Read the Rijkswaterstaat/Levvel press release.

Link: Discover more about Invesis' Afsluitdijk investment.