The Maritime Services and Coast Agency (MDK) is undertaking various maintenance works on the Spuikom in Oostende this autumn. The activities are aimed at nature conservation, safety, and maintaining the infrastructure. The work will primarily take place on the water of the Spuikom and includes interventions on the breeding islands, jetties, and banks.
The two largest breeding islands will be mowed and re-profiled. A limited amount of sand will be added to the smallest of these two islands to create a more suitable level for nesting birds. Wooden poles will be placed around the breeding islands to clearly demarcate them, preventing water sports enthusiasts from getting too close or landing on the islands.
The heavily corroded pipe piles of the Inside-Outside jetties will be replaced. MDK will also conduct a test for the removal of oyster reefs, and several rows of gabions will be installed to locally reinforce the banks.
The works will be carried out in phases: groundwork on the breeding islands (Oct 19-25), oyster reef removal test (Oct 26-Nov 1), placement of wooden poles (Nov 2-8), pulling and driving of pipe piles (Nov 9-15), and repair of the bank defenses in December 2026/January 2027.
Disruption for local residents will be limited as the work mainly occurs on the water. For the reinforcement of the slopes with gabions, a temporary work site will be needed near the banks at the De Rudderstraat and Eduard Hammanstraat. The concrete walking path around the Spuikom will generally remain accessible, except during certain transports and deliveries organized outside school hours to minimize inconvenience.
