Renovation Parksluizen pumping station Rotterdam: temporary pumping capacity for a crucial link in water safety.

Ensuring water safety during operations

During the renovation of the Parksluizen pumping station in Rotterdam, Van Heck played an important role in ensuring water safety during the operations. While one of the main pumping stations was taken out of service for extensive renovation, Van Heck provided temporary pumping installations to continuously ensure the discharge of excess water.

A complex operation in a monumental pumping station

The renovation focused on replacing the pump's bottom bearing. For this, the entire pump line had to be lifted through the roof of the monumental pumping station, a technically challenging operation where preparation and cooperation were essential.

A boezem pumping station like Parksluizen cannot simply be shut down. The pumping station plays a crucial role in draining excess water from a densely built urban area. Especially with the increasing impact of climate change and heavy peak showers, reliable pumping capacity is indispensable. We had a margin of less than 30cm! This means the water level could stand no more than 15cm below and 15cm above the set level.

Temporary pumping capacity without interruption

To fully ensure water safety during the renovation, five temporary pumping installations from Van Heck were deployed. This kept the required discharge capacity of 15,000m3/h operational throughout the entire maintenance period.

Thanks to careful preparation, close coordination among all parties involved, and the deployment of experienced specialists, the operations proceeded smoothly.

Strong cooperation

For this project, there was intensive collaboration with:

• Bosman Watermanagement as the main contractor,
• Kraanverhuur Boekestijn for the lifting work,
• the technical teams of the water board,
• Van Heck for the temporary pumping installations.

Additionally, earlier this year, together with Deich- und Hauptsielverband Dithmarschen, we received a delegation of German water managers for a behind-the-scenes look at various Dutch pump and siphon installations, including this impressive project.

The well-known Rotterdam vlogger Liana Engibarjan also made an interesting contribution about the cooperation and the project itself.

Result: maximum capacity restored

After completing the renovation, the Parksluizen pumping station is once again operating at full capacity. The pumping station can now pump a staggering 20,000 liters of water per second, enough to empty an Olympic swimming pool in just a few minutes.

A great example of how technical expertise, temporary pumping capacity, and collaboration contribute to water safety in a changing climate.