In the raised position the bottom of the gates is at 14 metres (46 ft) above NAP, slightly higher than the Hartelbrug (nl) next to the barrier.

The Hartelkering was constructed at the same time as the Maeslantkering as part of the Europoortkering, a system of levees in addition to the two flood barriers.

The decision-making algorithm that sequences storm surge-triggered events in the Maeslantkering is run entirely by computer.

A storm surge, high enough to start the barrier's closing procedure, occurred.

[2] As the Oosterscheldekering and Maeslantkering storm surge barriers were also closed, the entire Dutch coast was protected against flooding for the first time since 1976.