The consortium comprising Rijkswaterstaat, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Boskalis, and Reefy has announced the successful implementation of the Reefblocks technology, two years following the establishment of the ‘Rotterdam Reef.’
In 2023, 17 Reefblocks were installed in the Port of Rotterdam’s primary shipping channel, specifically near Rozenburg, forming a modular reef structure.
Each block, measuring 3m in length and weighing 6t, is engineered to endure significant wave forces while promoting a diverse underwater environment.
The design includes tunnels and rough surfaces, which facilitate the growth of marine life, including fish, crabs, and shrimp, thereby providing protection for coastal areas and marine ecosystems.
Boskalis oversaw the installation of the Reefblocks, utilising its expertise in hydraulic engineering and coastal defence.
Rijkswaterstaat supported the initiative, advocating for nature-inclusive infrastructure within the Port of Rotterdam.
The Municipality of Rotterdam contributed to innovation and ecological monitoring, collecting essential environmental data.
Reefy was responsible for developing the modular technology that integrates coastal protection with ecosystem restoration.
Municipality of Rotterdam economy and sustainability director Petra de Groene said: “Our collaborative approach has yielded a great result, offering opportunities for national and international upscaling.
“Learning by doing helped us bridge the gap from lab testing to real-world application, where concrete and biodiversity work hand in hand.”
The Reefblocks have notably improved the ecological conditions in the Port of Rotterdam’s shipping channel. Monitoring shows that the reef provides a habitat for diverse marine species, contributing to increased biodiversity.
The textured surfaces of the Reefblocks have led to a threefold increase in biodiversity compared to traditional concrete structures, promoting the growth of shellfish and algae.
Research involving environmental DNA (eDNA) has revealed that the main channel of the Port of Rotterdam acts as a migration route for freshwater, saltwater, and migratory fish species. The Reefblocks facilitate fish movement and improve water quality through natural filtration.
In terms of technical performance, the Reefblocks have demonstrated resilience under extreme weather conditions. All 17 blocks remained stable during severe storms, including Storm Poly in July 2023.
Additionally, the structure effectively reduces wave action and encourages sediment accumulation behind it, thereby enhancing coastal protection and preventing erosion.
The Reefblocks also contribute to the fortification of shorelines against storms and flooding and have the potential for broader application on a global scale.
This project aligns with the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive, which aims to improve habitats for aquatic plants and animals while enhancing overall water quality.
Recently, the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands successfully completed a pilot for ammonia bunkering, transferring 800m³ of liquid ammonia at -33°C between two vessels at the Maasvlakte 2 APM terminal.