Examples of Floating Future applications in the Dutch Delta


Pilot cases will be developed for inland (rivers and polders), coastal (port city) and offshore (North Sea) applications. These will include floating city districts near the centre of Rotterdam, floating space for port developments (flexible space for sustainable fuel storage and bunkering) and offshore applications to support the energy and protein transition.


Integrated approach “What is particularly interesting is that we have made a connection between city developers, landscape architects, coastal engineers, the maritime industry and various governmental bodies. This integrated approach will result in new perspectives on how we can use floating technology,” Olaf emphasises.


The Netherlands is a logical place to start this initiative. For centuries there has been a struggle with the water, he says. “Many floods have occurred in our history and over the centuries we have developed a strong cluster of coastal engineers. At the same time, we have a long history of maritime and offshore activities with an industry that operates the biggest installation vessels in the world, as well as the largest dredging fleets.”


The Netherlands governance structure with respect to water management is also unique in the world. Water boards govern water safety and these are completely independent of the government. “Additionally we have renowned research institutes for marine and aquatic ecology. This is a perfect mix to start the floating future in a time where rising sea levels are making the need for new solutions more urgent,” Olaf points out.


International partners The Dutch challenge of living in a low-lying delta is not unique and there is increasing international interest. There are many places in the world with growing populations which are facing the consequences of climate change and several countries have already started floating projects. “The fact that this is a global issue is reflected in this initiative. Although this is a Dutch project, we are proud to have an international advisory board with Canadian and Norwegian researchers, as well as companies from Israel and Japan.”


He stresses that there are also challenges to address, and that perhaps life on a floating island is not for everyone. “Would you live in a floating city or work on a floating island? The answer to that question is complex. People in the Netherlands have lived below sea level for a long time and indeed, floating houses already exist. But the acceptance of large-scale floating city blocks or even floating industry islands requires a shift in mindset. The perceived risk of living on a floater compared to the perceived risk of living below sea level needs to be studied, as does the general wellbeing of people living and working on them.”


Sparking change for a floating future MARIN wants to accelerate sustainable and climate adaptive solutions for the Netherlands and indeed, for the world. Olaf comments: “We will use our VR simulator technology to study how people will experience life on a floating island. As the leader of the technology work package, we will co-develop use cases for inland cities and the North Sea to support the


development of the sustainable Blue Economy.” This includes floater and mooring technology for ultra-large floaters, as well as investigating smaller floater applications such as floating eco reefs. “Our basins and simulator facilities are ideal to experience these innovative solutions.”


While most of the in-depth research is performed by PhD students and postdocs at four universities, MARIN is working together with Blue Revolution Foundation to connect the industry , researchers and regulators to initiate the floating future. In addition to MARIN’s scope, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ, Tjeerd Bouma) will lead the ecological work package and the governance work package will be led by Utrecht University (Pernille van der Plank). Blue Revolution Foundation (Rutger de Graaf) will examine inland and offshore case studies in the action research work package.


The Floating Future proposal was submitted to the Dutch Research Council (NWO) in October 2021 and is now under final review. “If granted, this inspiring group is ready to start this fascinating project later this year!”.


 Floating Future, broadcasted on the Dutch public tv network NPO| EénVandaag (Dutch only)


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