All details symposium Building in Water

Fascination over an industrial-energy island with storm surge barrier

The 2nd symposium Building in Water focuses on the eventual necessary redevelopment of the Western Scheldt. The focus is the possible construction of a new hydraulic masterpiece in the mouth of the Westerschelde, consisting of a multifunctional industrial energy island with a flood barrier. The symposium, which takes place simultaneously with Infratech 2023, is intended to present ideas, exchange knowledge and probe opinions on a smart and sustainable redevelopment of the Western Scheldt.

Building in Water is an initiative of Rein van Vliet of Eventually and Prof. Han Vrijling of TU Delft. "A flood barrier in the Westerschelde is eventually inevitable in the context of safety, rising sea levels and further economic development of the area and the hinterland," said Van Vliet. "Together with a large number of stakeholders, we have come up with a 'master plan' that meets all future challenges. During the symposium on January 19, 2023 at the Ahoy Convention Centre, we want to highlight the sustainable redevelopment of the Westerschelde. Expert (international) speakers with interesting and high-profile visions and ideas guarantee a high-quality international congress."

storm surge barrier 

Mr. Andrea Vollebregt, director of the Association of Hydraulic Engineers, and Mr. Jo-Annes de Bat, member of the Provincial Executive of the Province of Zeeland and deputy King's Commissioner, have been invited to attend the official opening of the congress together with Mr. Prof. Han Vrijling of TU Delft. A number of important topics will be discussed during the conference. Van Vliet lists some of them: "North Sea Ports has been asked to address the future developments in the Westerschelde ports, while Royal Haskoning DHV pays attention to the necessity of Westerschelde Storm Surge Barrier for the protection of the hinterland and navigability of the Westerschelde. The dam offers opportunities for a second N-Z connection within the framework of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), about which the European coordinator explains. In addition, TU Delft zooms in on "nature-based solutions" because the Westerschelde has beautiful nature that we should cherish. Furthermore, we share the plans for an industrial energy island, cleverly linked to the storm surge barrier, with space on the sea side for a container transhipment port and further development of industrial activities that are not desirable on the mainland. Think petrochemicals, storage of hazardous materials, LNG and even room for a second nuclear power plant. Finally, we deal with the legal aspects surrounding the construction of the masterpiece in the context of free transit."

According to Van Vliet, the above is just a sampling of the many interesting topics that will be discussed. "There is great interest in the symposium, both from home and abroad, which we will of course conclude with a networking reception. See you in advance on January 19, 2023."