The sea has always been central to human development as a source of resources, and as a means of transportation, information-exchange and strategic dominion. It has been the basis for our prosperity and security. This is even more the case, now, in the early 21^st century, with the emergence of an increasingly globalized world trading...

The southern coast of the North Sea is mainly protected by a single line of defence against flooding. The traditional means for heightening and strengthening the existing coastal barriers are limited due to the increased enormous resource costs, i.e. building materials, funding and space. On the other hand, further interests and needs such as...