The construction of ‘Maasvlakte 2’ is a mega-project of national importance, comparable to the HSL and the Betuwe Line. Land reclamation is being planned off the coast of Rotterdam, and Royal Haskoning is carrying out various studies for it. The size and complexity make it a really exceptional project.
 
With Maasvlakte 2 Rotterdam is creating a new, high-grade top location in the heart of the European market. Eventually the proposed port and industrial area will consist of 1000 hectares of new business premises on newly reclaimed land in the North Sea, next to the present Maasvlakte. In particular Maasvlakte 2 will offer space to deep-sea related clients in the container-handling sector and its related distribution activities, and the chemical sector (including new industry). There will be extensive compensation of the natural and recreational values that will be lost. With Maasvlakte 2, Main Port Rotterdam is strengthening its position and improving the spatial quality in the region. These twin goals were established in the Main Port Rotterdam Development Project from the outset. As a preferred supplier Royal Haskoning is supporting the Port of Rotterdam Authority in a complex process in the largest infrastructure project currently taking place in the Netherlands. In this context Royal Haskoning is carrying out a great number of studies and reports company-wide, including two environmental impact studies: Maasvlakte 2 Construction EIS and Maasvlakte 2 Zoning EIS. In addition Royal Haskoning is drawing up the Zoning Plan for the new port and industrial area.

The environmental impact of the land and sand reclamation is being mapped out in the Maasvlakte 2 Construction EIS. The removal of around 400 million m3 of sand from the coastal area will have lasting consequences for the composition of the soil and for the flora and fauna. The EIS also examines the compensation projects that will be necessary in order to gain natural areas elsewhere to offset those lost because of Maasvlakte 2.

The environmental impact of the planned layout of Maasvlakte 2 is presented in the Maasvlakte 2 Zoning EIS. On the basis of different scenarios of the type, location and intensity of the industrial activity, calculations are being made of emissions and risks in 2020 and 2033, both for Maasvlakte 2 itself and for the hinterland. There are a great many variables and imponderables.
 
By its very scale and complexity the Maasvlakte 2 project is a tremendous challenge. It calls for collaboration and consultation with a number of parties, among them the client, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, local authorities, the province and the Directorate General of Water Management and Public Works (Rijkswaterstaat). Pressure groups and politicians are keeping a watchful eye on the project. In certain areas Royal Haskoning is working together with specialists from elsewhere. Organizations and experts from all kinds of disciplines are contributing to the realization of the two Environmental Impact Statements and the Zoning Plan. On this subject the project leaders say, ‘Royal Haskoning’s expertise is a perfect fit for this project, but its size and complexity really do make it quite exceptional.’

Mark van Zanten
T +31 (0)24 328 45 19
E Mark van Zanten

René Idema
T +31 (0)6 22 42 10 99
E René Idema