Published on: February 11, 2026, 10:59 AM
The hydraulic installations of the Oosterschelde Barrier are, like the barrier itself, 40 years old and have reached the end of their technical lifespan. These installations are crucial components of the Oosterschelde Barrier that ensure the sluices can be controlled in their movement.
Different phases
The renovation of these installations is divided into different phases. In phase 1A, a new design for the replacement installation was made. After 40 years, many parts were no longer available or could be made with more modern elements.
After phase 1A was completed, in cooperation with Hollandia Services, phase 1B was also awarded to the same contractor.
Testing with ten installations
At each pillar (65 in total) of the Oosterschelde Barrier, there are two hydraulic installations. These installations are located in the ‘traffic duct’, under the road that runs over the barrier.
In phase 1B, the contractor renovates the hydraulic installations at 5 pillars: 10 of the total 130 installations. Part of phase 1B is that we test the renovated installations in practice for a year.
Another 120 installations
When the test from phase 1B proves successful, we will proceed to phase 2: the phase in which the remaining 120 hydraulic installations will be renovated.
Piping
In addition to the renovation of the hydraulic installations themselves, Hollandia Services also renovates the steel and stainless steel pipes with hydraulic oil. In phase 1A, the pipes at 12 pillars were renovated. In phase 1B, 24 pillars per year will follow. The contractor also replaces the steel riser pipes of all 124 cylinders of the barrier.