The new pumps at the afsluitdijk, a powerful feat of water management
The renovation of the Afsluitdijk is one of the largest hydraulic engineering projects in the Netherlands in recent decades. After nearly 90 years of reliable service, the iconic dike underwent a thorough modernization to continue protecting the country from flooding. A key part of this upgrade is the installation of new, massive pumps at Den Oever. These pumps can discharge enormous volumes of water from the IJsselmeer to the Wadden Sea in a short time, even against tides and rising sea levels, ensuring the inland areas remain dry during extreme rainfall or high water levels.
The challenge of lifting
Installing these pumps was a major technical operation. Each pump unit, weighing several tens of tons, had to be lifted into its concrete housing with millimeter precision. Any misalignment or vibration was unacceptable, as the connections to pipes and seals are extremely sensitive. During these complex lifting operations, Laco played a crucial role, providing stabilizers special systems designed to keep the heavy loads fully under control during lifting.
The role of the stabilizers
The stabilizers provided by Laco are advanced hydraulic jacks that continuously make small adjustments during lifting to keep the load perfectly balanced. They prevent the pump from swinging due to wind or crane movements and ensure the unit moves straight down. This allowed technicians to position the pumps safely and accurately, even in windy conditions over open water. Without these stabilizers, the risk of damage to the pump or housing would have been too high, making the work significantly slower and more dangerous.
Why this was so critical and challenging
Conditions at the Afsluitdijk were far from simple. Work had to be carried out over open water, with limited space and often strong winds. The pumps were also so large and valuable that there was no margin for error. Laco’s stabilizers needed not only to be powerful enough to manage the heavy load but also to respond with extreme precision to every slight movement. This required perfect coordination between hydraulics, sensor technology, and operation—a challenge that Laco successfully overcame.
A quiet but indispensable contribution
Although Laco’s stabilizers are no longer visible after the pumps were installed, their role during construction was invaluable. Thanks to this technology, the new pumps could be positioned safely, quickly, and accurately—a crucial step in the Afsluitdijk’s renovation. The project demonstrates how innovation, precision, and collaboration go hand in hand. Laco’s contribution is a prime example of Dutch craftsmanship, quietly supporting the protection of the country against water.