Euromax Quay wall

Shell has planned the construction of Holland Hydrogen 1, a renewable hydrogen plant at Maasvlakte 2 within the Port of Rotterdam. This ambitious project necessitates the transportation of numerous heavy components to the site. To facilitate this, Geobest was commissioned by Mammoet Europe to evaluate whether the existing Euromax quay wall could withstand the loads from the tandem lifts required for the project.

Plaxis 3D: geometry containing quay wall and loads

Geobest undertook a geotechnical analysis using the advanced finite element software Plaxis 3D, focusing on specific quay wall sections. This analysis aimed to assess the impact of the planned crane lifts on the existing quay wall. The quay wall’s geometry comprises a diaphragm wall, a concrete slab, inclined MV piles and inclined vibro piles.

The results of the geotechnical analysis were positive. Geobest concluded that the calculated deformations and structural forces within the quay wall remained within the original design specifications. This means that the quay wall is capable of withstanding the anticipated loads from the tandem lifts, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of heavy components to the project site and affirming the feasibility of Shell’s plans for the Holland Hydrogen 1 project, reinforcing the Port of Rotterdam’s position as a key hub in the transition to renewable energy