The Sand Motor

The Sand Motor is an innovative method for coastal protection. The Sand Motor (also known as Sand Engine) is a huge volume of sand that has been applied along the coast of Zuid-Holland at Ter Heijde in 2011. Wind, waves and currents will spread the sand naturally along the coast of Zuid-Holland. This is called ‘Building with Nature’. The Sand Motor will gradually change in shape and will eventually befully incorporated into the dunes and the beach. The coast will be broader and safer.

Between March 2011 and October 2011, Rijkswaterstaat and the provincial authority of Zuid-Holland created the hook-shaped peninsula. It extends 1 km into the sea and is 2 km wide where it joins the shore. Trailing suction hopper dredgers picked up the sand ten kilometres off the coast and took it to the right place. There are also two offshore replenishment locations alongside the peninsula. The construction of the Sand Motor was completed in November 2011. Now, the forces of nature will take over and spread the sand along the shore, thereby reinforcing the coastline and creating a dynamic area for nature and recreational purposes.
View film about the construction of the Sand Motor

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