Boskalis to Build Artificial Island in the IJmeer Lake

Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has emerged as best bidder in a tender to construct an artificial island in the IJmeer lake adjacent to the existing IJburg islands.

Based on the current plans the contract is valued at around EUR 85 million.

According to the company, the project involves the construction of an artificial island in the IJmeer lake for the development of residential housing to accommodate the further growth of Amsterdam. In the initial phase around 82 hectares of land will be created by constructing both soft and hard bank protection and filling the reclamation area with nearly 9 million cubic meters of sand.

In addition 3,500 kilometers of vertical drains will be used to improve the soil. The project includes an option to create an additional 53 hectares of land; this option does not form part of the contract value.

The municipality of Amsterdam is expected to award the contract in mid-May, with operations starting in the third quarter of 2018 and scheduled to be completed in mid-2020.

In addition to this artificial island Boskalis will also create a nature area measuring more than 3 hectares and consisting of reeds and a mussel bed. Constructing the nature area in the initial phase will enable the natural elements to develop sooner.

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