dws-rdm-aqua-dock-impression-770pxLocated on the RDM Campus, Aqua Dock officially launched its experimental platform for testing, demonstrating and designing innovative floating structures in the Rhine harbour of Rotterdam, the Netherlands on March 12.

Alderman Alexandra van Huffelen unveiled details of the construction of the new facility and its first projects with floating systems.

Aqua Dock is a co-production of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam, Rotterdam University and Clean Tech Delta.

dws-rdm-aqua-dock-van-huffelen-tree-buoy-350pxAlderrman Van Huffelen of Rotterdam presenting a model of the tree buoy.

The dock is situated on the RDM Campus where knowledge institutes and companies already work together on sustainable innovations in the fields of building, mobility, energy, maintenance, design and architecture.

From idea to realization
Aqua Dock focusses on showing off and developing new techniques, products and prototypes. It involves small-scale construction of floating models and novel forms of energy production from or near water.

In Aqua Dock, businesses, research and educational institutions and the municipality of Rotterdam will work together to capitalize on water opportunities.

Interested companies are welcome to take part in this project.

dws-rdm-aqua-dock-impression-bobbing-forest-350pxFirst project: bobbing forest
Alderman Van Huffelen announced the launch of the first prototype of the challenging Bobbing Forest art project in Rotterdam.

This art project is based on the ideas of Dutch artist/designer Jorge Bakker, which will eventually consist of 20 floating trees that will make Rotterdam greener and more exciting.

The first tree buoy will be tested during a period of six months in the new Aqua Dock.

Other pioneers that showed interest in the Aqua Dock test facility include developers of a floating road, a floating wave breaker, a floating bumper against impacts of vessels, a floating green house and a floating hotel.

This news item was originally published on the website of RDM Campus (in Dutch only).

More information
RDM Campus
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
+31 10 794 92 29
www.rdmcampus.nl