1 million cubic metres of sand replenished on Banjaard Beach using a Bio-LNG-powered dredger in collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat.
Van Oord has successfully carried out major coastline maintenance on Noord-Beveland in Zeeland, on behalf of Rijkswaterstaat. The project involved depositing 1 million cubic metres of sand on and in front of Banjaard Beach, using the LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredger Vox Apolonia.
A standout feature of the operation was the exclusive use of 100% Bio-LNG fuel, underlining Van Oord’s and Rijkswaterstaat’s shared commitment to sustainable, low-emission project execution. This innovative approach demonstrates how large-scale coastal management can be carried out responsibly, balancing infrastructure needs with environmental stewardship.
The assignment was part of the Dutch Coastline Care programme. Next year, Van Oord will also carry out beach replenishment for the beaches at Goeree-Westkop and Heemskerk.
A key aspect of this project was the use of 100% Bio-LNG, in line with the sustainability ambitions of both Rijkswaterstaat and Van Oord. This was made possible by Van Oord’s Green Fuel Fund, which was launched in late 2024 to accelerate the use of sustainable fuels. This fund serves as a financial mechanism to reduce the cost of renewable fuels for our clients, such as Rijkswaterstaat, and makes their large-scale use more feasible.
‘Rijkswaterstaat sets minimum requirements for emissions and encourages even greater efforts in its procurement process by offering award advantages. It’s great that Van Oord is on board with this and is developing its own ideas.’- Harry Zondag, Strategic Advisor for the dredging market at Rijkswaterstaat
The use of a Bio-LNG-fuelled trailing suction hopper dredger underlines Van Oord’s leading position in the energy transition within the maritime sector. Van Oord is the first maritime contractor whose climate targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is actively working on further decarbonisation to achieve its net-zero ambition. Together with clients and partners, Van Oord will continue to invest in innovative and sustainable solutions for projects worldwide.
‘I’m proud that we have executed this entire project using 100% Bio-LNG. This proves that sustainability in the maritime sector isn’t just a future ambition for us, it’s already a reality. Together with Rijkswaterstaat, we’re taking a significant step toward emission-free coastal maintenance.’ – Tom van Eijk, Project Manager at Van Oord
