An Incident and Injury Free Culture: Changing the Face of Project Operations
Losing a co-worker was a hard way to learn that safety goes beyond wearing PPE. It demands constant vigilance by every worker, from management to crew, in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Application of Modern Survey Techniques in Today’s Dredging Practice
A review of survey and monitoring techniques as well as specialised environmental systems are realised in an "ideal" vessel.
Applying early contractor involvement in marine infrastructure procurement
Complex construction projects that use traditional procurement practices are often impacted by significant cost overruns and delays. Early contractor involvement (ECI) is a concept that strives to involve the contractor collaboratively at an early stage of a project’s development to mitigate or otherwise eliminate those risks. In August 2022, PIANC published the report “A framework for early contractor involvement in infrastructure projects” to help industry practitioners in choosing and best implementing ECI. This article is intended to develop on key aspects of the PIANC report and look at the factors that can lead to a successful maritime ECI project.
Applying the ecosystem services concept in marine projects
A full consideration of ecosystem services (ES) impacts, interactions and improvements can result in more sustainable and adaptive solutions for dredging and marine construction projects. Furthermore, the benefits can be translated in monetary terms, providing returns on investment and highlighting the links between ecology and economy. For some however, the ES concept is too theoretical. This article seeks to show how the ES concept can actively be applied at any point during a project and the benefits of doing so. Its purpose is to provide a framework for integrated and interdisciplinary thinking throughout the different steps of the project cycle.
Approaching Emissions in Dredging
Since dredging equipment is the source of emissions, shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers must help develop clean technologies that address total energy consumption.
AquaForest: A nature-based solution for dredged sediments
AquaForest is a demonstration project led by Jan De Nul showcasing a green-grey approach, where dredged sediments are being reused to create 50 hectares of mangrove habitat in the Guayas Delta, Ecuador. The project aimed to advance knowledge on the conceptual design and eco-engineering approaches of mangrove habitats, while strengthening local engagement and generating diversified income opportunities for local communities. A new mangrove island was built in the end of 2024 and is currently being monitored to quantify the provision of ecosystem services over time with the aim of future upscaling of this type of nature-based solutions.
Aquapuncture©: Sustainable Future of Inland Waterways
Revitalising and redesigning inland water transportation routes and recreational waterfronts transforms them into vital and viable economic and social engines.