The construction of the Port of Rotterdam's 'green' development Maasvlakte 2 is proceeding according to the original plan despite the economic crisis, according to the port.

On September 1, 2008 construction work began on Maasvlakte 2 to expand the port of Rotterdam by 20% to deal with future shipping demand.

The Port Authority announced it has been conducting an extensive monitoring programme to "keep an eye on whether or not the effects of this work on the North Sea ecosystem are remaining within the predicted margins."

Life on and in the seabed is being charted periodically at some 300 locations in the North Sea and the silt content in the North Sea water is also being measured.

"This latter data is also compared to satellite photos taken of the North Sea at the same moment, so that the silt content can be determined in the future using satellite images," the port said.

In recent months, sound measurements have also been made of the underwater noise caused by the trailing suction hopper dredgers. The total monitoring programme for the construction is costing around €10 million.

Earlier this year the Port of Rotterdam joined forces with Friends of the Earth Netherlands (Milieudefensie) to ensure that plans to expand the Dutch port are sustainable, after FOE had launched an appeal against the development of Maasvlakte 2.

They agreed to undertake a study to determine how to curb the emissions of fine dust, nitrogen oxides (NOx) sulphur oxides (SOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) during and following the construction of the port development project Maasvlakte 2.

In February 2010, the port will begin the construction of the first quay wall for a container terminal, as well as building the hard sea defences on the northwest side of Maasvlakte 2. A new design has been made for this dyke, both cheaper and more nature friendly, according to Green Port.

It has been agreed with all ministries involved, the province, the municipality, the business community and four environmental organisations that, for the next 25 years, parties will jointly monitor the effects of Maasvlakte 2 on the environment.