Boskalis is a leading global player in the field of coastal defense and riverbank protection. We design, construct and maintain hard sea barriers, such as dikes, dams and flood barriers, and also soft sea defenses, such as beach and near-shore replenishment. In addition, we provide innovative solutions for forms of coastal protection based on the principles of building with nature such as the sand motors and the use of mangroves.
Ensuring safety and natural balance
Safety and a natural balance are the most important aspects of good coastal protection. Our vast experience and expertise enable us to assist you with the economic and environmental assessment of your coastal protection project. We have a proven track record and the drive to maintain a well-balanced ecosystem.
Our innovative and building with nature solutions
- Sand motors use natural forces like tides, wind, currents and waves to spread sand along the coast from a central replenishment location.
- The creation of a wave-reducing system. Examples are the combined approach of land reclamation and new mangrove forests to protect the North Java coastal area in Indonesia and a green wave reducing dike in The Netherlands. A willow forest, planted along the front of the dike, is expected to be able to absorb up to 80% of the waves’ force.
Project highlights
Providing flood protection
Overview of the construction of the St Petersburg storm surge barrier.
Calling a halt to coastal erosion
Boskalis has embarked on a Building with Nature project to halt coastal erosion in Central Java, through a unique integration of mangrove restoration, small-scale engineering and sustainable land use.
Large-scale beach nourishment Ameland
On the Dutch Wadden Island of Ameland, we completed an extensive beach replenishment. With 3 million cubic meters of sand, it is even the largest beach replenishment in Dutch history
The Sand Motor
An innovative and sustainable approach for dynamic coastal management. The waves, tides and wind transport the sand naturally to the right place.
Griend nature preservation project
Boskalis teamed up with the Dutch Society for the Preservation of Nature to protect the uninhabited island of Griend in the Dutch Wadden Sea. The island provides a vital habitat for many migratory and breeding birds. However, due to erosion this bird paradise was at risk of being washed away.
Providing flood protection
Overview of the construction of the St Petersburg storm surge barrier.
Calling a halt to coastal erosion
Boskalis has embarked on a Building with Nature project to halt coastal erosion in Central Java, through a unique integration of mangrove restoration, small-scale engineering and sustainable land use.
Large-scale beach nourishment Ameland
On the Dutch Wadden Island of Ameland, we completed an extensive beach replenishment. With 3 million cubic meters of sand, it is even the largest beach replenishment in Dutch history
Dredging techniques
Cutter section dredger
Dredging with a cutter suction dredger takes place while the vessel is moored with spuds or anchors and consists of powerful cutting action combined with suction.
Backhoe dredger
A backhoe dredger (BHD) is a hydraulic excavator installed on a pontoon. Dredging is executed by the excavator which is mounted on a turntable at the front of the pontoon. The backhoe dredger is mainly used for dredging in shallow or confined waters.
Trailing suction hopper dredger
Trailing suction hopper dredgers can fill their own holds (hoppers) by sucking material from the seabed using a trailing suction head fitted to pipes that trail over the bed as the ship sails.
Cutter section dredger
Dredging with a cutter suction dredger takes place while the vessel is moored with spuds or anchors and consists of powerful cutting action combined with suction.
Backhoe dredger
A backhoe dredger (BHD) is a hydraulic excavator installed on a pontoon. Dredging is executed by the excavator which is mounted on a turntable at the front of the pontoon. The backhoe dredger is mainly used for dredging in shallow or confined waters.
Trailing suction hopper dredger
Trailing suction hopper dredgers can fill their own holds (hoppers) by sucking material from the seabed using a trailing suction head fitted to pipes that trail over the bed as the ship sails.
Cutter section dredger
Dredging with a cutter suction dredger takes place while the vessel is moored with spuds or anchors and consists of powerful cutting action combined with suction.
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Dredging
For dredging and infrastructure related queries contact our Dredging department.
