Dike reinforcement Havendijk Den Helder

The Havendijk in Den Helder is being reinforced. Although it is a relatively short stretch of dike, it is a challenging task. While such a project—from exploration to completion—typically takes around eight years, the exploration and planning phases for this project were deliberately shortened to half that time. The Havendijk in Den Helder no longer meets current safety standards and has therefore been included in the High Water Protection Programme (HWPP). The central section of the dike is particularly urgent due to water safety concerns, as it no longer meets outward stability requirements and the sheet piling in this section is also in poor condition.

A traditional approach would have taken eight years, but this was not an option given the urgency and dynamic nature of the area. As a result, Hollands Noorderkwartier District Water Control Board opted for an accelerated five-year schedule, with just one year allocated for the exploration phase. This ambitious challenge was awarded to the Iv & TAUW consortium. Together with HHNK, a project team was formed in which all three parties contributed their own areas of expertise.

The task was both technically and organisationally complex. The project area spans just 655 metres, but includes a wide variety of dike types and stakeholder interests. The central section, in particular, with its severely deteriorated sheet piling required a smart, integral approach, given the Port of Den Helder’s objective to expand the harbour area. Incorporating this opportunity for synergy was the project’s greatest challenge. It is broadly supported within the busy port and among governmental partners, but also requires formal agreements, commitments, and additional funding. Within the limited one-year timeframe for the exploration phase, a fallback option was also developed in case the integral solution proved unfeasible.

Sustainability was embedded throughout the project, with high ambitions set from the outset. The goal is to reuse 90% of the released materials and to carry out the works with zero emissions.

By working in a collaborative project team with short lines of communication, shared responsibilities, and a common ambition, HHNK and the Iv & TAUW consortium successfully completed the exploration phase within one year. Solutions such as the construction of a robust combined wall and the repositioning of the quay not only improved dike safety but also created 5,000 m² of additional harbour space. Through material reuse, the deployment of zero-emission equipment, and smart phasing, sustainability was integrated into every stage of the project. Project Havendijk demonstrates that acceleration is possible while maintaining quality and delivering added value for the surrounding area.