The operation of the Storm Surge Barrier Overall survey An overview of the New Waterway Storm Surge Barrier is shown alongside. If a water level of 3.20 metres above NAP is anticipated for Rotterdam the Storm Surge Barrier in the New Waterway has to be closed. The BES implements the BOS's commands.
Water is pumped into the parking dock .
Once the retaining wall , starts to float and the water in the dock is at the same level as that in the New Waterway, the dock-gate is opened. The locomobiles positioned on top of the retaining wall push them horizontally out of the parking dock. The gates move into the New Waterway, approaching one another in the middle but not quite touching. Water is then admitted into the retaining walls. In addition the gates must be able to ride up and down with the waves when being closed and opened.