What if we could protect coastlines and bring life back to the sea?
Two years after installation, the Rotterdam Reef is living proof that infrastructure and ecosystem restoration can thrive together. A collaboration between Rijkswaterstaat, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Boskalis, and Buccaneer startup Reefy, this innovative pilot is redefining what’s possible in coastal engineering.
Nature and engineering, hand in hand
Installed in 2023, 17 Reefblocks were placed in one of the busiest shipping channels of the Port of Rotterdam. Each block is three meters long, six tons heavy, and designed to absorb wave energy while creating an underwater habitat. Think tunnels, rough surfaces, shaded nooks. Ideal conditions for fish, crabs, and shellfish.
The result? A thriving underwater world
The Rotterdam Reef is delivering on its promise, proving that engineering and ecology can work together. Highlights include:
- Validated ecological impact, supported by eDNA research and ongoing environmental monitoring.
- 3x higher biodiversity compared to standard concrete, thanks to rough textures and varied habitats.
- Marine life is booming, with fish, crabs, shrimp, shellfish, and algae settling in and around the Reefblocks.
- Improved water quality, as natural filtration processes kick in through algae and shellfish growth.
- Support for fish migration, with the Reefblocks acting as a safe passage for freshwater, saltwater, and migratory species.
- Stable performance under extreme weather, including Storm Poly in July 2023, no Reefblocks were displaced.
- Wave energy reduction, leading to sediment build-up and stronger shorelines behind the reef.
Collaboration made it possible
This success was only possible thanks to the partnership between Reefy, Buccaneer Delft partner Boskalis, Rijkswaterstaat, and the Municipality of Rotterdam. From custom grab tools for installation to real-time biodiversity monitoring, the learnings from this project are now shaping next-generation marine infrastructure.
At Buccaneer Delft, we see this project as a prime example of how collaboration should work. It shows what’s possible when startups, knowledge institutes, governmental entities, and industry leaders come together with a shared purpose. We know how difficult it can be to build these kinds of consortia, and are proud to support and accelerate these types of projects.
The future of nature-inclusive engineering starts here
Are you working on coastal or underwater projects and facing new regulations? Reefy helps developers navigate requirements, demonstrate impact, and build ecosystems below the surface. With its BlueBioMetrics platform, they can measure nature and put its value in numbers, allowing it to be in the decision-making formula and to spark a large-scale nature-positive future.
Learn more about Reefy
As an accelerator, Buccaneer Delft proudly supports innovative companies in the ever-evolving energy & maritime sectors. We are committed to helping sustainable ideas grow, and transform into commercial products and solutions, serving as a bridge between the existing industries and innovations. Our community impacts the energy transition with technological innovations transforming the industry. Learn more about our accelerator services.