Van Oord has received the final award from the Limburg Water Board for the implementation of the Groene Rivier Well area development, a flood protection and landscape project in the north of Limburg in the Netherlands.

The scheme aims to strengthen flood resilience while creating new opportunities for nature development and future-proof agriculture.

Green River Well

Source: Van Oord

Van Oord has won the final contract for the Groene Rivier Well project boosting flood safety, nature and agriculture

‘We are proud to contribute to the Green River Well area development with our knowledge, expertise and sustainable solutions,” commented Paul Vogelaar, commercial director of Van Oord.

“Together with the Limburg Water Board, we create a safe and future-proof living environment, where flood protection, nature and agriculture come together in a smart way.”

The project forms part of the Netherlands’ Flood Protection Programme, which focuses on improving long-term water safety across the country. Existing dykes in the Well area are currently not high or strong enough to safely manage projected future water levels, making reinforcement and partial relocation necessary.

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Under the deal, Van Oord will restore historic river courses, strengthen flood defences and adapt surrounding infrastructure to improve water flow. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 with completion expected in 2029.

Beyond strengthening flood defences, the Groene Rivier Well development adopts a broader area-based approach combining climate adaptation, ecological restoration and sustainable land use. Soil excavated during construction will be reused directly in dyke construction, supporting circular building practices and reducing transport-related emissions.

The redesign also gives greater space to nature and agriculture. Future-proof farming in the area aims to integrate food production, biodiversity, soil health and landscape management, helping create a resilient environment for local communities.