A first in Flanders: maintenance dredging work on the Scheldt powered by LNG

Publication Date

DEME's dual fuel trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) ‘Scheldt River’ is currently carrying out maintenance dredging work on the Scheldt and during this work, the vessel is operating on LNG. In another milestone, last week ‘Scheldt River’ became the first dredger to be bunkered with LNG in the Port of Antwerp, near the Kallo lock.  The dredging work is being carried out on behalf of the Flemish government and is necessary to ensure the port’s maritime accessibility.

The TSHD ‘Scheldt River’ was commissioned in 2017 and is one of the very first dredgers in the industry capable of operating on a variety of fuels. For several years now, DEME has been investing heavily in eco-friendly, energy-saving technology to reduce emissions from its vessels. It is also testing the possibilities of emission-free fuels such as green methanol and green hydrogen.

“Low-emission operations are the new benchmark for maintenance dredging on the Scheldt. Through its ongoing investment in new technologies, DEME aims to maintain its leading position in the transition to alternative fuels in the dredging industry,” says Luc Vandenbulcke, CEO of DEME Group. “With our new vessels, we don’t want to merely meet changing environmental standards, we want to exceed them. We want to stay one step ahead of the regulations in order to make the maintenance of our ports and their access channels more sustainable – a requirement that is even more important when we are working in densely populated regions and near Natura 2000 areas.”

The maintenance dredging work on the Scheldt is being performed on behalf of the Department of Mobility and Public Works. The Maritime Access section ensures that vessels can reach the Flemish sea ports easily and is therefore responsible for the management, control and inspection of this dredging work.

 

About DEME

DEME is a world leader in the highly specialised fields of dredging, solutions for the offshore energy industry, infra marine and environmental works. The company can build on more than 140 years of know-how and experience and has fostered a pioneering approach throughout its history, enabling it to be a front runner in innovation and new technologies.

DEME’s vision is to work towards a sustainable future by offering solutions for global challenges: a rising sea level, a growing population, reduction of CO2 emissions, polluted rivers and soils and the scarcity of natural resources.

While the company’s roots are in Belgium, DEME has built a strong presence in all of the world’s seas and continents, operating in more than 90 countries worldwide. DEME can rely on 5,200 highly skilled professionals across the globe. With a versatile and modern fleet of over 100 vessels, backed by a broad range of auxiliary equipment, the company can provide solutions for even the most complex projects.

DEME achieved a turnover of 2.62 billion euros in 2019.

 

Media inquiries

Please note that unsolicited job applications, commercial proposals or non-media related questions sent to this address will not be considered. We invite you to consult our Careers or Contact pages.

Related jobs

All jobs