Ships need space to berth so that skippers can meet their statutory rest periods. At Bergambacht location, therefore, the Van den Herik-Stukton combination was commissioned by the Department of Waterways and Public Works to create 8 additional overnight berths.

The work
To make this possible, a quay about 150 m long was constructed on the northeast side where 2 ships of 67 m or smaller could moor. On the south side, we realized a floating jetty about 300 m long. It has an outlet to the mainland. Up to 6 ships can moor at this jetty. It has been made possible for the ships to use shore power.

Finally, a breakwater has been installed that separates the overnight harbor from the through shipping on the Lek River. Ships up to 135 m long can thus stay in the harbor sheltered from wind, currents, waves and ice.

Fish benefit
The realization of the overnight shelters has also been used to promote biodiversity. At the floating jetty, 14 biohuts were installed. A minimal effort in our design and implementation process, but one with great results. Research showed after only 4 months that many more fish were swimming around.

Forces bundled
For this project, Van den Herik and Strukton joined forces. Van den Herik has a long history in hydraulic engineering and Strukton in realizing total solutions in infrastructure. A powerful combination of knowledge and skills for an optimal result for our client Rijkswaterstaat. This joint strength was already evident in the realization of overnight moorings on the Merwede in Gorinchem for Rijkswaterstaat.

View the case of overnight sites on the Merwede here