Sand cannons on Holland's coast: This is how your vacation changes!

vacationers on the Dutch North Sea coast have to prepare for comprehensive construction measures on many beaches by 2026. Current construction work on sand filling is in progress to protect the coastal regions from progressive erosion. Like Merkur the sand is reported with special pipes from ships transported because wind, waves and currents continuously remove sand. Work already carried out took place in Egmond on Zee and Bergen, followed by future projects in Renesse and Burgh-Haamstede.

The responsible authority for flood protection, "Rijkswaterstaat", has developed a preliminary schedule for 2025 and 2026. From autumn 2024, beaches in Zeeland, including Domburg, Cadzand and Nieuwesluis, are also affected by the sand fillings. The work depends on the weather; They are exposed to strong winds or high waves. The sand supply takes place about 10 kilometers off the coast, where the sand is won and then evenly distributed. The goal is not only the protection of the coasts, but also the creation of habitats for flora and fauna.

Details on the sand filling work

according to cadzand online take place on the beaches of Cadzand and Groede from March 2025. A total of 610,000 m³ of sand from the North Sea is to be washed up. An additional 325,000 m³ of sand are planned for the beach in Groede. The work area extends between the Yachthafen of Cadzand and the annoyed Polder at Nieuwvliet-Bad. The measures aim to protect the region between Cadzand-Bad and Breskens from the sea and increasing water levels.

The security measures include the barrier of the work area, so that the beach can be released for bathers after drying and strength. The construction work can lead to restrictions, closures as well as noise and dust loads. However, these measures are mainly carried out outside of the high season or in less frequented areas to minimize the effects on vacationers.