The story of the tank
About Transfo Duiktank
On the Transfo site in Zwevegem, hidden in a buffer basin, stand three old fuel-oil tanks. The largest is no less than 17 metres high with a diameter of 28 metres. Repurposing this unique structure was a challenge in itself.
A unique dive tank with international allure
Brainstorming sessions by an international group of young architects produced interesting ideas, such as an arena theatre or… a dive tank modelled on the Gasometer in Duisburg's landscape park. The latter idea stuck.
The Dutch-speaking league for underwater research and sport (NELOS) immediately embraced the idea and carried out a preliminary study, including market research and financial estimates. A dive tank would be the solution for offering deep-water training at home with perfect visibility.
Diving in the tank is comparable to open-water diving — but in Belgium and the Netherlands, open water always means limited visibility. The tank is therefore the perfect stepping stone between pool and open water: ideal for safely preparing divers for rough outdoor conditions.
Cleverly built inside the old fuel tank
The actual dive tank sits off-centre inside the original tank. The space between the inner and outer walls houses a technical basement, reception and cafeteria on the ground floor, changing rooms and sanitary facilities on the first and second floors, and the entry zone on the third. A lift and internal staircase serve the floors.
Daylight enters through the large air-cushion roof; other spaces are partly lit through an opening in the original tank. Non-divers can also take a peek through the tank's windows at reception and in the cafeteria.
Grenzeloos duiken (Borderless diving)
The Interreg IVa project “Grenzeloos duiken” created unique dive sites in the Netherlands and Flanders through an integrated, cross-border approach.
This approach led to a thorough improvement of the quality, safety and accessibility of the existing “Kattendijke-Wemeldinge” dive infrastructure in Goes and Kapelle (NL), and to the construction of the Transfo dive tank in Zwevegem (B).
The project also developed a “Grenzeloos duiken action plan” to better align the diving scene in Flanders and the Netherlands.
The project was realised with the support of Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland and the European Regional Development Fund, the Flemish government, the province of West Flanders, De Watergroep, the National Lottery and the Elia Fund. Their logos appear at the bottom of every page.
Experience the tank yourself
Book a dive session — or just come and have a look: even non-divers can watch the divers through the windows at reception and in the cafeteria.