Construction works for the widening of the inner approach channel in the port of Ostend are progressing well

The construction works in the port of Ostend are progressing well despite the COVID-19 measures. Tractebel designed a retaining wall to preserve the existing exploitation zone used by the offshore industry, a revetment to absorb the incoming wave energy and the stabilization of an existing quay wall by means of stone columns. The joint venture Jan De Nul – Soetaert – Smet is realizing the design of Tractebel for the widening of the inner approach channel, led by the Flemish Maritime Access division. It concerns the last phase of the works in the framework of the ‘Integrated Coastal and Maritime Plan for Ostend’. One of the objectives of this plan is to make the harbor of Ostend accessible for ships with a length up to 200 meters.

The works cover a range of challenges related to building an existing harbor with limited space and many boundary conditions. Notwithstanding these challenging circumstances and restrictive conditions, our Tractebel experts managed to demonstrate that it is possible to realize this type of project successfully, even if a significant design effort is necessary to fulfil all stakeholders’ needs in agreement with all site-specific requirements.

This project is a good example of modern day port expansions. By increasing the accessibility of the Port of Ostend, this project offers on the one hand new possibilities for mobility in the harbor and on the other hand opportunities for the further expansion of offshore wind farms in Flanders.