Initiation
In a pilot study the possibility to increase the settlement of algal and macro-fauna colonization was investigated. Various textures and geometrical shapes were tested on the concrete blocks of one of the breakwaters (‘Zuiderhavenpier’) of IJmuiden harbour in 2008-2009.
In 2011, a renovation of the breakwaters of IJmuiden Harbour was planned. The IJmuiden Port Authority was interested in using eco-concrete to stimulate the recovery of the ecological system at the breakwaters. The project was proposed by Deltares, based on funding by Rijkswaterstaat Innovation Program (WINN). Various parties such as Ministry of Public Works – Rijkswaterstaat and BAM DMC contributed to the project by providing materials, transport and additional funding.