Reefblocks technology, developed by sustainable startup Reefy, combines wave and erosion protection with enhanced biodiversity. The project “Rotterdam Reef”, which saw the blocks installed, now proves that infrastructure development and nature restoration can go hand in hand.

The Rotterdam Reef was installed two years ago. The consortium behind the project consisting of Rijkswaterstaat, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Boskalis, and Reefy have now shared the project’s results.

Through this project, the consortium contributes to meeting the goals of the European Water Framework Directive, aimed at improving habitats for plants and animals and enhancing overall water quality.

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Reefblocks

In 2023, seventeen Reefblocks were installed in the Port of Rotterdam’s busiest shipping channel near Rozenburg, creating the modular Rotterdam Reef. These concrete blocks form the backbone of a living reef.

Each block, measuring 3 metres in length and weighing 6 tonnes, is designed to withstand heavy wave impacts while fostering a vibrant underwater landscape. Featuring tunnels, shaded passages, and rough textures, the structure creates a dynamic ecosystem where fish, crabs, and shrimp can thrive, offering protection for both coastlines and marine life.

Drone image of the Reefblocks (photo by Reefy)
Drone image of the Reefblocks (photo by Reefy)

The project’s success is credited to strong collaboration among partners. Boskalis led the installation of the Reefblocks, drawing on their expertise in hydraulic engineering and coastal defence. Rijkswaterstaat championed the initiative for nature-inclusive infrastructure in the Port of Rotterdam. The Municipality of Rotterdam supported innovation and ecological monitoring, gathering valuable environmental data. Reefy developed the modular technology, seamlessly merging coastal protection with ecosystem restoration.

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Ecological impact

Reefblocks are revitalising the Port of Rotterdam’s busiest shipping channel: more species, cleaner water, stronger ecosystem. The project has shown that Reefblocks:

  • Are a haven for marine life: Monitoring shows the reef offers shelter to a variety of marine species, including fish, crabs, and shrimp.
  • Boost biodiversity: The rough surfaces of the Reefblocks encourage the growth of shellfish and algae, leading to three times higher biodiversity compared to standard concrete.
  • Improve water quality and ecosystem health: The open structure of the Reefblocks promotes continuous water circulation, creating a healthy habitat for aquatic organisms.

In addition, eDNA research confirms the Port of Rotterdam’s main channel serves as a crossroads for freshwater, saltwater, and migratory fish species. The Reefblocks support fish migration and naturally enhance water quality through filtration.

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Ready for worldwide rollout

Reefblocks have proven their strength in extreme weather and are ready for broader deployment. All seventeen Reefblocks remained stable during severe storms, including Storm Poly (July 2023). In addition, the reef structure reduces wave action and promotes sediment build-up behind it, contributing to coastal protection and erosion prevention. The Reefblocks also enhance the resilience of coastlines against storms and flooding. The innovation is ready for larger-scale rollouts worldwide.

‘This project proves that nature and infrastructure can truly strengthen each other,’ says Leon Haines, Co-founder and CTO of Reefy. ‘The Reefblocks offer a sustainable, scalable solution for water safety and ecological restoration. We are ready to scale the technology globally and are already working on projects ranging from rivers in the Netherlands to the tropical Caribbean in Mexico.’

Samantha Haage, Program Lead Artificial Reefs at Boskalis: ‘At Boskalis, we developed a specialised grab tool to efficiently install the Reefblocks, providing not only a practical solution, but also valuable field experience. This project showcases how innovation and teamwork can drive sustainable marine engineering solutions.’

Thanks to collaboration with PortXL, Diergaarde Blijdorp, TU Delft, and Deltares, this project has laid a strong foundation for the future of nature-inclusive water management.

Picture (top): Reef in action with Maeslantkering in the background (photo by Reefy).

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