Wijngaarden jubileum nieuws header confetti
Wijngaarden jubileum logo rgb

1985  –  SCHELDESTROOM

Project Oosterscheldekering (NL)

The SCHELDESTROOM was one of the workboats of Van Wijngaarden Marine Services which was put to work during the immense construction project of the Oosterscheldekering in Zeeland. The image displays the Scheldestroom in action with the innovative ‘crew cabin’ on deck. 

History
Many vessels were built and deployed for the construction of the Oosterscheldekering – a water barrier with gates. Huge concrete pillars for the flood defense were built in the construction site of the artificial ‘Neeltje Jans’ island. These were sailed to the correct spot by the specially built heavy lift ship ‘Ostrea’. Foundation mats had to be installed as a basis for these pillars to prevent the sand on the seabed from washing away. Another ship was built for this purpose; the ‘Cardium’. To compact the sandy soil – using a special technique the beams were vibrated into the ground and then withdrawn – the ‘Mytilus’ ship was built. Other special auxiliary ships were the ‘Macoma’, which ensured the foundation mats were clear of sand before the pillars were placed. The sheerleg Taklift 4 served during the construction where the ship installed the steel gates, traffic ducts, threshold beams and sill beams. In addition, the asphalt ship ‘Jan Heijmans’ was used, which had already proven itself for previous Delta Works. On June 26, 1986, the last slide was placed. The storm surge barrier was symbolically closed by Queen Beatrix on October 4, 1986.

Image: Scheldestroom as ‘crew tender’

Vwms week 13

Share this message: