At the Lith dam in the Maas, a horizontal laser beam is projected across the waterway during fog and in the evening and night. The so-called laser barrier is a test by Rijkswaterstaat to make the passage of the weir and lock complexes on the Maas safer.
The laser beam supplements the existing waterway markings such as buoys, beacons and ball lines. Especially in fog or poor visibility, the laser technology should help skippers who are less familiar with the Maas to choose the right sailing route, Rijkswaterstaat expects.
Such laser technology is now mainly used at dance festivals or performances by DJs who use smoke effects during their shows.
Skippers have been asked by Rijkswaterstaat to share their findings in the coming weeks. If the trial proves to be a success, laser technology could also provide a solution on other waterways or navigation channels in the future.
The laser test on the Maas near Lith lasts from Monday, January 22 to March 1.