IHC Mining, a global leader in dredging and mining technology, has been awarded a contract to design and build an OTTer ® 250 dredger for Guerrini Marine Construction. The specialised dredger will be deployed in Cape Town’s ecologically sensitive Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve, demonstrating how advanced engineering can support environmental conservation.
Zeekoevlei is a 250ha water body located half an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the south-western corner of the densely urbanised Cape Flats. Zeekoevlei was proclaimed a local authority nature reserve in June 2000 and is one of the youngest conservation areas in Cape Town. Zeekoevlei is unique in being a fully urban nature reserve where much of its boundary is openly shared with 136 private homeowners.
The dredging volumes to be removed are approximately 364,000 m3 of organic sludge and fines, which currently negatively impact waste water treatment for the municipality.
The OTTer ® dredger was selected because of the minimal environmental impact it has on the reserve’s flora & fauna, while cost-effectively meeting the production demand over the project duration. The operating methodology employed by the OTTer® dredger additionally offers the least impact to the local Yacht Club operations and it’s members.
This project award is the result of close collaboration between IHC Mining and the municipality resulting in the provision of a superior solution to our client.
Guerrini Marine Construction’s CEO, Adrian Guerrini comments “We are excited to work with IHC Mining on this project. And a successful execution of the dredging works will mean the release of similar dredging scopes in the region”.
Luan de Jager, IHC Mining’s General Manager South Africa adds “IHC Mining is always very keen to work with local dredging contractors, in order to increase innovation, expertise and the overall profile in operational sustainability that is often misunderstood. We look forward to helping both Guerrini Marine Construction and the City of Cape Town to continue to make a valuable and responsible impact.”
Dredging is due to commence in May 2025.
