Posted on March 26, 2025
In the port of Scheveningen, Baggerbedrijf De Boer carried out maintenance dredging work on behalf of the Municipality of The Hague for two weeks in September 2024. Ewout Vrolijk, supervisor at Baggerbedrijf De Boer, emphasises the importance of this work: “We are now in the fifth year of this contract with regular maintenance dredging work. This is necessary to maintain the port and keep it accessible to shipping traffic. We have been maintaining the port of Scheveningen since 1987.”
With the help of the trailing suction hopper dredger Mahury and the plough boat Peter, which is also responsible for soundings, the harbour is being prepared for winter. Ewout explains: “We are creating the buffer and ensuring that the harbour remains at the right depth during the winter period. This is crucial, because sediment accumulates due to natural processes such as tides and currents. By dredging regularly, the harbour remains safe for larger ships and we reduce the chance of collisions or ships running aground.”
The dredging activities involve sucking up sediment from the bottom with a suction pipe. This sediment is stored in the vessel’s storage space (hopper) and is then discharged into open water in specially designated areas. Ewout emphasises the importance of accuracy during the work: “During the dredging operations, the crew monitors the progress and quality of the work by regularly taking measurements of the depth and volume of the dredged material.”
Regular surveys and efficient planning
“We do a survey four times a year and twice a year, in spring and autumn, we send a trailing suction hopper dredger and a plough boat to carry out the dredging work. They suck up the sediment and sludge and then sail to a distribution location at sea to deposit it there by opening the doors at the bottom of the ship,” says Ewout. The harbour has different depths, including the main section and the outer harbours, which requires extra attention.
The challenge lies mainly in the open connection with the sea. “You are here between the piers and in front of the harbour mouth, and that is quite shallow and sensitive to waves. Moreover, you are not allowed to dredge in the First Harbour at night, which makes it difficult to plan everything properly. We do not want to come to a standstill with our work,” says Ewout.
Fortunately, the team has good contact with the post, which arranges communication with local residents and other shipping. “We have been dredging here for two weeks now and it is a pleasant port. It is small, but there are enough challenges. On board we have a young, experienced team, and there is a good dynamic,” he adds.
Dredging company De Boer
Baggerbedrijf De Boer is a Dutch dredging company involved in various dredging and maritime projects, both nationally and internationally. Ewout is proud to be part of a team that is committed to the safety and accessibility of the ports. “We work here with passion and attention to detail, so that we ensure that the port of Scheveningen remains safe for all users,” Ewout concludes.
