Since 2022, Smals has been producing sand types for the construction and infrastructure sector from the Voorhaven in Winssen using the floating sand processing facility Vierlingsbeek. Sand from Project Geertjesgolf is further processed and classified here into high-quality construction materials, which are shipped to customers across the Netherlands.

Vierlingsbeek processes the sand in a highly efficient way, with the quality of the final product for the customer as the top priority. Our patented AMAP system is used for this purpose. The system takes and analyses a sample every 30 seconds, allowing the sand type being loaded to be precisely adjusted during the loading process, ensuring the customer receives exactly what they require.

Vierlingsbeek consists of three connected pontoons: De Linden, ’t Helder, and Vierlingsbeek. The facility is designed so that conveyor belts can handle the large height difference of approximately 9 metres in the Waal river. On pontoon De Linden, a special bunker has been built to process material dry, reducing energy consumption.

In recent years, two major sustainability improvements have been implemented. First, the diesel-electric generators were replaced by transformers connected via a shore connection to the public electricity grid, allowing the facility to operate entirely on sustainable power. Second, material is transported onboard dry using conveyor belts, avoiding unnecessary pumping and processing.

In addition, the dewatering sieves were replaced by dewatering sand wheels for the fine and medium-fine sand streams. This results in significant energy savings and simplifies the process, as several large installations - such as four upflow columns and two recovery facilities - are no longer needed.

Thanks to these investments and process adjustments, nearly 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ are saved annually. Production is more efficient, environmentally friendly, and fully aligned with the requirements of customers in the construction and infrastructure sector. This is made possible in part by funding from the Topsector Energy subsidy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs under the scheme “Accelerated climate investments in Industry”.

With Vierlingsbeek, Smals combines expertise in sand refinement with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and environmentally conscious production, setting an example for the Dutch sand sector.