2021 – WAALSTROOM

The log of the Amstelstroom mentions the departure from Rotterdam on June 30, 2020 - with a work pontoon attached to the tow line – to the French destination Port la Nouvelle. A few months later, at the end of September, the Scheldestroom follows, sailing as single vessel. At the end of 2021, the WAALSTROOM also joins this project for several weeks.

History
The port of Port-la-Nouvelle – historically positioned on the import of oil and the export of grains – wants to specialize in floating offshore wind turbines and green hydrogen. The infrastructure also aims to reposition itself as a solid bulk and freight hub in the Toulouse hinterland and as a liquid bulk hub by developing the supply of biofuels and new generation fuels. The first phase of operations, started in 2019, entails the construction of dikes for a new basin and a 250-metre quay, which will house the first floating offshore wind turbines in the Mediterranean from 2021. The second phase, available before 2024, provides two new docks with a depth of 15.9 metres, a jetty for unloading liquid bulk and berths that will enable commercial offshore wind farms to commence in 2025. For the vessels of Van Wijngaarden Marine Services, their contribution to this project in France will end late 2021. The Scheldestroom will turn its bow back towards its home port. The Waalstroom with the split hopper barge 'Wadden 4' on its tow line will depart on November 4 towards destination Papendrecht, which shall be adjusted to Gijon in the Basque Country during the voyage. The Amstelstroom will also be ready mid-December and set sail for the Black Sea, destination Constanza (Romania).

Source: Wikipedia