The Rijkswaterstaat runs infrastructure renewal and reinforcement projects to ensure the country can cope with increasing challenges such as rising sea levels, flooding and climate adaptation. It's responsible for managing main infrastructure such as roads, waterways and flood protection. Given that much of the Netherlands lies below sea level, the country is especially vulnerable to rising sea levels. 

Sweco is part of a consortium that has entered a new framework agreement for engineering services, and project and process management with Rijkswaterstaat, which is a long-term client. 

"Rijkswaterstaat's ambitious renewal projects directly address climate challenges and the modernisation of primary infrastructure in the Netherlands. Sweco is proud to provide engineering, design and sustainability expertise to enhance these projects' effectiveness. We have a long-standing relationship with Rijkswaterstaat and, together, we will continue to develop resilient, future-proof infrastructure that enhances mobility and quality of life in the Netherlands," says Eugene Grüter, Business Area President, Sweco in the Netherlands.

Under the new agreement, Sweco will provide expertise in a range of areas including hydraulic and structural engineering, geotechnics, hydrology, traffic planning, environmental assessments and real estate advisory. While the order value for Sweco is yet to be determined, the overall maximum value of the framework agreement is approximately EUR 1.7 billion.
 

Press photos:

• The Maeslant Barrier, a massive storm surge barrier in the Netherlands which is managed and maintaned by Rijkswaterstaat. It protects Rotterdam and surrounding areas from North Sea flooding. Free use, please credit: Getty Images
   
• Eugene Grüter, Sweco Netherlands. Free use, please credit: Tobias Regell