The initial operation in August had to be aborted when an unexpected sand accumulation disrupted the process. Two weeks later client Lantis and contractor TM Cotu refloated the section and returned it to the Doel Dock.
The completion of today’s planned operation still depends on favourable weather, wind, river currents and tides.
Meanwhile, a key phase is also under way on the right bank of the Scheldt River where the final piece of land separating the tunnel entrance from the river is being removed. This will make way for the eighth tunnel section that will connect later this year to the tunnel section built on the right bank. There, the Scheldt Tunnel will enter the future Oosterweel interchange, the on- and off-ramp complex connecting the Ring Road to the Antwerp port area.
Until now, the soil has served as a safety buffer for vessels passing close to the entrance. After the fourth tunnel section is sunk, the shipping channel will be shifted to the left bank, so that ships will no longer pass close to the shipyard. This will allow the protective dyke to be removed.
To protect the shipyard from the river’s current, a water buffer was created by flooding part of the site. On the left bank and area of 150,000m3 was flooded, and on the right bank approximately 5,400m3.
