Green wall with FLOT in Oudenbosch harbor

An innovative solution for rigid sheet piling

Along many Dutch quays and harbors, we find steel sheet piling: functional structures, but without room for nature. In the municipality of Halderberge, this has changed. In the Stadshaven of Oudenbosch, we have installed 140 floating FLOT modules, greening 195 meters of sheet piling. These smart, dynamic planters move with the water level and make a visible and measurable contribution to biodiversity and water quality.

Floating greenery where it was previously impossible

The FLOT modules have been specially developed for vertical structures, such as steel sheet piling, where traditional floating vegetation is often undesirable. They combine ecology with technology, creating space for flora and fauna in places where previously only steel was visible. Thanks to their modular design, the containers are easy to install, maintain, or replace.

Video groei Flot Oudenbosch

The advantages at a glance:

  • More biodiversity – Native riparian plants provide shelter, nesting sites, and food for insects, fish, amphibians, and birds.
  • Better water quality – The roots filter nutrients from the water and promote a natural balance.
  • Greener appearance – The port area will be given a softer, more natural look.
  • Flexible and robust – The modules are resistant to water level differences and are very sturdy.
  • Socially sustainable – Production takes place using Social Return on Investment (SROI).

A collaborative project

The project was realized in close collaboration with the municipality of Halderberge, students from Curio Bergen op Zoom, MH Poly Consultants and Engineers, and Dutch Water Tech BV. The province of North Brabant helped make the project possible through a subsidy for ecological innovation.

Students from the Engineering Technician program actively participated in the project. They assisted in constructing the planters, processing natural materials such as cork, and planting the vegetation. This collaboration between education and practice not only contributes to the project, but also to knowledge development for the future.

An inspiring example of urban greening

With the installation of the FLOT modules, Oudenbosch is taking a concrete step towards a climate-adaptive and biodiverse living environment. The positive results of the earlier pilot project formed the basis for this upscaling, which is now seen as an example project by other municipalities.

At a time when greening urban spaces is high on the agenda—think of initiatives such as the National Nature Program or the Delta Plan for Spatial Adaptation—FLOT offers a practical and aesthetically appealing solution.

What does the future hold?

The plants will continue to develop over the coming months. The greenery is expected to be at its full strength in the summer, and the effect on the environment will be clearly visible and tangible. The project shows that nature, technology, and urban infrastructure can go hand in hand—provided that space is created for growth.

Want to know more about FLOT or the possibilities for sheet pile greening in your municipality?

Please feel free to contact us at info@dutchwatertech.nl. We would be happy to advise you on the application of FLOT in your specific situation.