Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal, Lemmer

Steam pumping station, the power of steam and water

The largest steam pumping station in the world makes an impression. The huge engine hall houses four steam engines with four mighty flywheels attached, which are still operational. The steam engines and flywheels drive eight round centrifugal pumps (also called Jaffa pumps) that move about 6 million m³ of water per day.

Battle against water

The pumping station is still used to lower water levels in Frisian waters. Filling the boilers with water, preheating the heavy fuel oil and starting up the eight pumps one by one requires a crew of at least 11 people. After six hours of start-up and warm-up, the nearly 100-year-old machine is running at full speed. And that is a fantastic sight.

Irreplaceable and exceptional

The pumping station has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1998. The Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal was included on the World Heritage List because it marks an important phase in the battle against water. In addition, its size (this is the largest steam pumping station ever built) and unique application of steam power by Dutch water engineers were reasons for including this mighty monument on the list.