Project overview
In the harbour of Oudenbosch, an innovative approach is being developed to green sheet pile walls. The FLOT project focuses on transforming hard quay walls into thriving ecological habitats using floating planters. This solution contributes directly to increased biodiversity, improved water quality, and a more attractive harbour environment.
What started as an idea for floating vegetation has evolved into a full-scale pilot project featuring several innovative technical systems.
From concept to pilot project
The project was launched in March 2024 and is an excellent example of a triple helix collaboration between government, education, and industry:
- Municipality of Halderberge
- Curio College (Mechanical Engineering students)
- Dutch Water Tech
- MH Poly Consultants & Engineers
Following the design phase, the systems were constructed and installed in the Oudenbosch harbour during the summer of 2024. The project was officially presented during a public event in October 2024.
The pilot will continue until 2025, after which approximately 195 metres of sheet piling will be greened using the best-performing system.
The role of MH Poly Consultants & Engineers
MH Poly played a key role in both the technical development and overall execution of the project by providing:
- Student supervision and knowledge transfer
- Design selection and optimisation
- Technical analyses and engineering calculations
- Detailed engineering drawings and technical reports
- Project presentations and documentation
In particular, MH Poly contributed to the development of the steel cable support system, providing expertise on structural stability while carefully considering its ecological impact.
