If we want our region to thrive in the future, it is essential that we protect our coastline.
Rising sea levels are having a major impact on the coast, seaports, and nearby inland areas. The Flemish and Dutch coasts are the most vulnerable in Europe when it comes to marine flooding and, at the same time, our own coastline is the most densely populated and built-up stretch. Sweco provides coastal protection solutions that safeguard economic interests, create safe environments for people, and enhance nature.
Ten coastal municipalities lie along the 67-kilometre-long Flemish coast. These are home to 220,000 residents and the area attracts up to 500,000 tourists during the summer [source]. The four coastal ports (Zeebrugge, Ostend, Blankenberge, and Nieuwpoort) represent a mix of wide-ranging activities, such as shipping, fishing, blue energy, aquaculture, and military operations.
The impact of rising sea levels on homes and the economy
No one can deny the reality of rising sea levels and those in the North Sea have risen by 20 centimetres since 1925 [source] and they continue to increase every year. The expectation is that sea levels will have risen by 60 to 110 centimetres by around 2100 [source]. Beaches and dunes, which are a key element of our flood defences, will be eroded and the coastline pushed inland. Areas close to the coast will become vulnerable to flooding and drainage will become more and more of an issue.
Rising waters and stronger currents will make it more difficult for vessels to navigate their way into ports and will hamper quayside operations. Harbour dams will become unstable due to the increasing impact of waves. The Flemish government’s ‘Coastal Safety Master Plan’ and ‘Coastal Vision Plan’ contain the outlines for effective coastal protection.
An integrated approach to meeting a diverse mix of needs
Our multidisciplinary teams of urban planners, architects and designers, engineers, energy, logistics and mobility experts, environmental consultants, ecologists, spatial planners, and process experts can help steer your project through the entire process of:
- Feasibility studies
- Ecosystem services surveys
- Spatial integration
- Drafts and technical designs
- Stakeholder management
- Environmental impact reports
- Permits
- Procurement files
- Follow-up to the works
Port authorities use our integrated expertise for the realisation of:
- Storm surge barriers
- Locks
- Elevations of quay walls and port areas
- Drainage structures
- Energy networks
- Optimal accessibility and links to the multimodal road network
- Integrated fish passes
- Infrastructure maintenance
With a view to protecting the dune landscape, various municipalities and the Flemish government are collaborating with us on:
- Dune-before-dyke solutions
- Beach and foreshore replenishment
- Ecological corridors
- Risks to drainage and salinisation
A combined stakeholder effort to safeguard our coast for the future
The coast is a diverse mix of homes, tourism, recreation and hospitality, heritage, ecology, and economy. We represent the interests of all stakeholders in society and are working with them to protect this unique region from rising sea levels by implementing sustainable and nature-inclusive solutions.
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