The Maeslant Barrier is not an isolated structure. Rotterdam and environs are safe on account of a system of protective structures. The other elements of the Europoort Barrier are the Hartel Barrier – a storm-surge barrier in the Hartel Canal – and the dyke reinforcements in the tidal river area. The Europoort Barrier protects the estuary area from the risk of water flooding in from the Europoort area, which is in free communication with the sea.

The Europort Barrier is not a continuous dike but contains stretches of more elevated land that are officially designated as sea defences. In contrast to most other barriers, the Europort barrier does not need to be a high or strong dike. A certain amount of water is allowed to flow over it: the delta area further inland provides an adequate buffer for the water.

Apart from the construction of the storm surge barrier, supplementary dike reinforcements are necessary in the delta area. The storm surge barrier looses effect upstream in the delta area (the river level being the decisive factor). 

After the decision was taken that a barrier had to be installed in the Europort area, the location had then to be decided. There proved to be many possibilities. The various possible locations were evaluated in terms of reliability, shipping traffic, technological requirements, time, cost and wider social considerations such as harmonisation with the landscape and implications for commercial activity.

1. Construction of 1-meter high dyke on the Rozenburg peninsula from the southern abutment of the New Waterway Storm Surge Barrier towards Rozenburg.
2. Reinforcement of the southwestern portion of the water defense system around Rozenburg. Elevation of existing dyke. The Europort Barrier then runs from Rozenburg across the Botlekweg. At the Welplaatweg the barrier joins up with the A15 via the eastern slope.
3. The route then runs to the Hartel Bridge. In the vicinity of the bridge a moveable storm surge barrier - the Hartel Barrier - is built in the Hartel Canal. The Hartel Locks are fitted with new lock- gates and new operating equipment and the outer head is elevated. The number of temporary mooring sites for vessels is increased. The Hartel Barrier is also fitted with a guard in order to protect the barrier from large and heavy floating debris, such as empty containers. In addition a new control building is added to operate the barrier and the lock.
4. The Brielse Maas Dyke has to be elevated by 2.5-3 meters between the Hartel Barrier and the Suurhoff Bridge. Pipeline crossings in the Brielse Maas Dyke are modified. Bank and toe protection are extended both upwards and downwards.

The decision to construct a storm surge barrier in the New Waterway also necessitated a barrier in the Europort area. Otherwise, when the New Waterway Storm Surge Barrier is closed, too much seawater can flow in through the Europort area and the safety of South Holland becomes threatened.

These projects have various consequences

Together with the New Waterway Storm Surge Barrier and a limited dyke-stengthening program, the Europort Barrier completes the Delta Project, thus protecting South Holland against high water.

Opening the Beer Dam greatly improves the economic and strategic position of the Port of Rotterdam. The Maasvlakte docks can be reached more easily and safely. A number of companies in the Europort, however, will suffer disadvantages from the opening of the Beer Dam.

The Europort Barrier and Open Beer Dam are examples of projects serving a collective interest, with adverse consequences for a limited number of businesses.

Europort Barrier Project Manager

"Together with the New Waterway Storm Surge Barrier and a limited dike-strengthening program, the Europort Barrier forms the final piece of the Delta Project, protecting South Holland against the sea. In determining the position of the barrier all the various interests have been weighed as carefully as possible. The Department of Public Works and Water Management is always required to reconcile maximum individual legal certainty and the public interest. Decisions therefore take time and cost money. An Open Beer Dam benefits inland shipping. Not all the firms in the Europort and Botlek, however, stand to benefit directly but will find themselves affected by construction activities. Partly for this reason compensation arrangements have been drawn up for them."

Open Beer Dam Project Manager, Rotterdam Municipal Port Management

"Opening the Beer Dam is essential in order to cope with the increase in domestic container shipping. The Maasvlakte will be made more accessible. We now have 300 metres of domestic shipping wharf-space and 3000 metres for maritime shipping. All the quays will shortly become dual-purpose, meaning that we can avoid the need for additional activities since no further transhipment will be required. In some cases the containers from ocean-going steamers can be transferred directly onto barges."

Director Europort/Botlek Interest Foundation

"Everyone strongly advocates the completion of the Delta Project with the Europort Barrier. We are therefore clear about the need for an Open Beer Dam. This will serve the interests of domestic shipping and container traffic. But a limited number of businesses (for example pipeline owners) will be carrying the can and don't benefit in any way. If the public interest needs to be served, the general public must also stump up the costs."