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Oosterscheldedam

GeneralProblemsThe planResearchShipsThe constructionNature

Ostrea (Latin for oister)
This vessel was designed to lift a column from the construction dock, transport it above the threshold and put it in place. It is a U-shaped ship, 87 meters long with a 50 meters high porch and a strength of 8000 hp. The vessel was maneuvered by 4 propellers. For long distances the Ostrea was assisted by tug-boats. The Ostrea was the flagship of the Oosterschelde fleet.		 The Ostrea
The Macoma (the most left sided ship) Macoma (Latin name for a shellfish)

This ship was used to moor the Ostrea for extra stability and power. Also the Macoma had a kind of vacuum cleaner to remove the sand underneath the lowered columns.
Mytilus (Latin for mussel)

This vessel was used to prepare the sea bottom. With special instruments the soil was vibrated and all the clay ands sand particles were compressed. This was done 24 hours a day. The vibration needles had a length of 18 meters and a diameter of 2.1 meters. The frequency of each needle was 25 to 30 Hz with an amplitude of 4 to 5 millimeters.

The vessel was formed with a main hull of 18.9 meters and 4 extra hulls with a total length of 32.9 meters.

 

 A painting of the Mytilus
The Cardium Cardium (Latin for a shellfish)

This vessel was designed for placing the mats over the sea bottom. This vessel was extreme expensive. The costs were 80% higher than calculated. By building this ship in phases the costs could be spread out. The mats used to cover the bottom were 36 centimeters thick, 42 meters wide and 200 meters long. The speed of placing the mats: 10 meters per hour. On the place of the columns extra mats are placed.

Wijker Rib (a fish)

This was an inspection vessel, originally designed as a cargo vessel. This ship escorted a small under water inspection vehicle: the PROTUNUS. The Protunus had the size of a custom van and traveled over the bottom of the sea on two caterpillar tracks. With camera’s all the work under water could be inspected. The Protunus and the Wijker Rib were connected by an umbilical cord.