Posted on October 11, 2026
Boskalis Nederland, together with Rijkswaterstaat, the Province of Zeeland and Natuurmonumenten (association for the preservation of nature monuments), officially launched the Galgeplaat and Slikken van den Dortsman sand replenishment project in the Eastern Scheldt in the Netherlands. Through this project, we are working to preserve a unique nature reserve and enhance habitats for countless species of birds and other animals.
The construction of the storm surge barrier as part of the Delta Works has reduced the natural supply of sand to the Eastern Scheldt. As a result, sandbars, mudflats, and salt marshes are under pressure. By adding some 2.6 million cubic meters of sand at seven locations, Boskalis Nederland is helping the Galgeplaat and Slikken van den Dortsman retain their important role as foraging and resting areas.
Using our trailing suction hopper dredger Freeway, we are sourcing sand through channel maintenance dredging and from a borrow area. This will ensure that birds such as the oystercatcher, curlew, and bar-tailed godwit continue to have sufficient time and space to find food in the coming decades, while seals can continue to rest on the sandbars that are exposed at low tide. In this way, our dredging work makes an important contribution to a future-proof Eastern Scheldt.
