Jan De Nul Group carries out dredging work in the Benelux with 100% renewable fuel. With this, the world player is further committing itself to immediately and considerably reducing its CO₂ emissions. Trailing suction hopper dredger Alexander von Humboldt will from now on sail on renewable biofuel from certified and sustainable waste streams.

The choice of 100% renewable fuel is part of the ambitious CO₂ reduction objectives of the Jan De Nul Group. In this context, Jan De Nul also wants to collaborate with the Flemish government to introduce a minimal CO₂ reduction obligation of 15% for 80% of the maintenance dredging contracts in Flanders by 2022 at the latest (https://www.jandenul.com/en/pressroom/press-releases/jan-de-nul-reveals-ambitious-co2-reduction-targets).

By 2050 the European Union wants to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases by 80% to 95%, compared to 1990, of which at least 40% of the reduction must be realised by 2030.

“Why wait until tomorrow when it’s already possible today? We need concrete action”, says Bart Praet, Head of the Dredging Benelux department at Jan De Nul Group. “This intervention makes us at least 80% CO₂ neutral. With this we want to prove to the governments and to our clients in the Benelux that if they have climate ambitions and incorporate these in the selection procedures, the market is ready for it now. At the same time, we are urging our colleagues in the sector to follow our example in a renewable and climate-neutral trajectory. We are continuing to work hard on our energy transition, relying on innovative solutions.”

“The Flemish government is glad about the use of this renewable fuel, and will definitely include a sustainability criterion for the next procurement of the dredging contract for the evaluation of offers”, says engineer Freddy Aerts, head of division Maritime Access, Department of Mobility and Public Works.

100% renewable fuel

The trailing suction hopper dredger Alexander von Humboldt sails using sustainable renewable biofuel from certified and sustainable waste streams. The ship will carry out maintenance dredging works in the maritime access routes, on the North Sea and in Flemish seaports.

The second generation of biofuel, supplied by biofuel market leader GoodFuels, reduced CO₂ emissions by at least 80% and is also sulphur-free. GoodFuels pioneered in the development, commercialisation and supply of renewable fuel in the shipping industry. Jan De Nul Group entered into a multi-year agreement with them because of their innovative technology and verifiable sustainability guarantees.

“Our energy transition can start today”, Michel Deruyck, Head of the Jan De Nul Energy department, adds. “As we are in continuous consultation with engine manufacturers and other suppliers, we know what is technically feasible. We continue to innovate to remain sustainable and viable in our sector, and to be able to offer our clients alternatives.”

From contract to shipping in just under four months

Damen has just shipped a fully customised Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) 350, to Brazil. The standard dredger was adapted to meet Brazilian Naval requirements and received additional options as per customer request.

Damen has carried out the job very quickly; from contract signature to departure from the Port of Antwerp in just under four months.

The CSD350 is the first stationary dredger Damen has delivered to Brazil. Many countries – Brazil not being an exception – have their own regulations for outfitting vessels. Therefore the standard suction dredger from stock has been adapted accordingly.

Moreover, the customer, Construtora Vale Verde, ordered a number of options. These include a non-return valve in the discharge pipe line, a wedge piece for shallow water dredging, Damen remote monitoring system as well as a navigation package for maximising safety on the job.

The CSD350 has been designed to dredge inland waters at a dredging depth between -1 m and -9 m water depth. It is fitted out with a 55 kW cutter head for breaking up compacted soils, and the in-board dredge pump is powered by a 447 kW diesel engine. For transport purposes, the dredger can be fully dismounted – quite practical considering that its first dredge job will be located some 500 km from its port of arrival, Vitoria.

The dredger left Damen Dredging Equipment in Nijkerk, the Netherlands on five trucks – one for the main pontoon, one for both side pontoons and spuds together, one for the suction ladder and one for the separate container shipping, the operating cabin and various smaller items such as the navigation mast.

The dredger arrived in Brazil at the end of October, where it will be swiftly assembled by Damen, Vale Verde and local agent Endratech engineers, thus demonstrating clearly the benefits of Damen’s philosophy of standardisation. With products being built in series – often for stock – Damen is able to guarantee the fastest possible delivery times for proven solutions.

Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure, Republic of Maldives, in relation to the development of Gulhifalhu. The contract carries a value of approximately EUR 45 million. The dredging activities are due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2019 and are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2020.

The development of Gulhifalhu, located about four kilometers from the country’s capital Malé, forms part of the Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure’s strategic plan to improve and develop the port infrastructure and will serve as a climate adaptive solution, making this part of the Maldives resilient to rising sea levels. As part of this program, Boskalis will reclaim an area with an initial volume of six million cubic meters of sand using a mega sized trailing suction hopper dredger. Boskalis’ activities also include rock revetment work for shoreline protection.

Since the turn of the century, Boskalis has successfully executed a number of climate change adaptive dredging and reclamation projects in the Maldives. Starting in 2006, the company reconstructed the island of Vilufushi following the devastating tsunami in December 2004. By doing so Boskalis increased the size of the island and raised it to 1.4 meters above mean sea level. This was followed by several subsequent projects including the initial development of Gulhifalhu in 2012 and land reclamation activities on four other islands in 2014.