PORTS & HARBOURS

Xblocs installed on breakwater at IJmuiden

18 years ago

A total of 10 Eco-Xbloc armoured units have been placed on the southern breakwater at Ijmuiden in The Netherlands in order to evaluate their ability to play a role creating habitats for marine life. A number of different armoured units made from different materials and with different surface textures will be monitored over three years to evaluate their ecological value.

The flat surfaces of Xblocs used at Ijmuiden have been roughened with a material known as NOEplast.

Dutch institutes Deltares, the Dutch Ministry of Public Works and Delta Marine Consultants (DMC) are working together on a project called known as ‘Rich Dike’ as part of the Water Innovation Programme WINN. The aim of the project is to enhance the ecological value of hard shore protection structures.