Maasvlakte Light, Radar tower in Maasvlakte, Netherlands
Maasvlakte Light is a concrete radar tower standing 62 meters tall on the seawall along Prinses Maximaweg in Rotterdam. The structure features distinctive black and yellow horizontal stripes and contains active radar equipment and marine communication systems for monitoring vessel movements.
The tower began operations in 1974 as a lighthouse guiding ships through the Nieuwe Waterweg. In 2008 it transitioned to purely radar and communication functions, ending its role as an active beacon.
The tower represents modern Dutch maritime engineering with its octagonal shape, double gallery, and rotating antenna, serving as a symbol of Rotterdam's port development.
The structure sits on the waterfront and offers sweeping views across the port from its elevated position. Visitors should be prepared for exposure to wind and weather given its location on the open seawall.
The foundation relies on 40-meter screw piles that spiral deep into the seabed to anchor the structure securely in this challenging coastal setting. This offshore construction method represents Dutch expertise in maritime engineering.
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