Construction new sea lock – Terneuzen, the Netherlands
MPS modular pontoons assisting DEME / Sassevaart Consortium in Terneuzen dredging works for new sea lock.
Modular Pontoon Systems BV delivered a 54,86m x 21,95m sectional pontoon to Belgium-based contractor DEME, which is part of the Sassevaart consortium. The modular pontoon is used to utilize two Liebherr HS 895 HD crawler cranes for the dredging activities necessary for the construction of the new Terneuzen lock.
One of the world’s largest locks
The lock complex in Terneuzen, with three locks, provides access to the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal and is a crucial link in the Seine-Scheldt connection. To combat future capacity problems, a large New Lock is being built at the location of the existing Middle Lock (built in 1910).
427 m long, 55 m wide and 16.44 m deep, the lock will become one of the largest in the world, similar in size to the locks in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Panama. The first ship is expected to pass through the New Lock in late 2022.
An extensive scope of work
The design, construct and two-year maintenance contract was awarded to the Dutch-Belgian consortium Sassevaart. As a member of Sassevaart, DEME’s extensive scope of work includes, but is not limited to earthworks, dredging works, a total of about 10 million m³ of soil, and bank and bottom protection.
To reduce the environmental impact, the project uses a wet construction method. By using this method no groundwater is extracted, and as a result no subsidence is expected in the area. This method required a modular solution to be able to work from a modular pontoon inside the construction pit.
A tailor-made solution
The challenging requirements of this project resulted in a tailor-made solution, which was rapidly available due to the extensive stock of modular units.
All container pontoons are transported by truck to the project location. On-site the pontoons are lifted into the water by a crane and assembled in the water. Following the successful coupling of the pontoon, crawler cranes are loaded onto the pontoon and further deck equipment was installed.
The modular pontoon is equipped with two hydraulic operated stabilizing spud legs of 30 meters to hold position during the dredging operations.
About DEME
DEME is a world leader in the highly specialised fields of dredging and land reclamation, solutions for the offshore energy market, environmental and infra marine works. With more than 140 years of experience and 5,200 highly skilled professionals, we have built up a vast bank of knowledge and expertise which has allowed us to foster a pioneering approach throughout our history. This enables us to bring tailor-made solutions, innovation and new technologies to our customers’ projects, ensuring that they are performed safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.
While our roots are in Belgium, DEME has built a strong presence across the globe. We have a versatile and modern fleet of more than 100 vessels, supported by a broad range of auxiliary equipment.
About Sassevaart
A new connection for the future. The New Lock near Terneuzen ensures that access to the ports of Ghent and Terneuzen is future-proof. The Sassevaart consortium (BAM Infra, BAM Contractors, DEME Infra Marine Contractors, Dredging International and Algemene Aannemingen Van Laere) is building the Nieuwe Sluis Terneuzen, the first ship will sail through the Nieuwe Sluis in 2022.
About Modular Pontoon Systems BV
Modular Pontoon Systems is the exclusive manufacturer of MPS container pontoons, as well sectional workboats and jack-ups. All MPS’s equipment is available for purchase or rental. MPS container pontoons and other equipment is used in many industries such as dredging, civil construction and oil & gas.
Our stock of over 325 new and used container units allows us to ship and deliver your container pontoon, workboat or marine equipment rapidly with short lead time.
