Posted on October 18, 2021
The Belgium based Jan De Nul Group is using only second generation biofuel for maintenance dredging works underway in the German Port of Hamburg.
The fuel contains no petroleum, instead using processed vegetable waste oil as a raw material, an approach in line with the principles of a sustainable circular economy.
Jan De Nul Nassbaggerei und Wasserbau GmbH was awarded the contract for maintenance dredging works in the Port of Hamburg within the scope of a European award procedure. The trailing suction hopper dredgers Kaishuu and Alexander von Humboldt are executing works expected to complete in December, ensuring accessibility to the numerous terminals within the Port of Hamburg.
Thanks to the use of biofuel during these works, emissions of particulate matter and sulphur compounds are being significantly reduced as combustion is much more efficient compared with conventional diesel fuel.
“We have already used this sustainable biofuel for several of our vessels in the Benelux and the UK, said Michel Deruyck, head of Jan De Nul’s Energy Department. “Decarbonisation is at the top of Jan De Nul’s agenda and is supported throughout the company commercially, operationally and technically. We always strive to go beyond what is imposed on us. We’re going for zero.”
Dredging works are indispensible to ensure the accessibility f the Port of Hamburg and its terminals. It is the only way to ensure that goods can be transported far into the hinterland by sea-going vessels, which are particularly environmentally friendly compared to other modes of transport. Many hundreds of kilometres that do not have to be travelled by truck or by train are a significant contribution to climate protection.
Worldwide, maintenance dredging works are among the most important tasks taking place at large seaports. That this essential task can now be executed in a more sustainable manner will save some 45,000 tonnes of CO2 this year.
There is currently no contractual obligation to use client-neutral fuels because they are not yet available in North German seaports. The dredgers therefore regularly travel to Eemshaven in the Netherlands to pick up the fuel.
