Sustainability in the spotlight for 2024
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The dredging sector is growing, not just in terms of project complexity, but also from a financial perspective. According to the Dredging Global Market Report 2023, published in August, the global dredging market was expected to grow to $12.58 billion this year at a compound annual growth rate of 3.9 % - with growth being forecast for the remainder of the decade. However, the sector faces a challenging landscape in 2024 with the impact of environmental pollution, scarcity (and costs) of raw materials, and the complexity of greener technologies high on its agenda.
While there are some that worry about the workload and financial impact that a more sustainable approach can impose, many other organisations see the commercial and environmental silver lining of an evolved approach. Mzothule Zikalala: Executive Manager of the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) Dredging Services business unit, which joined CEDA in October 2023, points out that climate challenges have catalysed innovation and led to the commissioning of fuel efficient dredgers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
TNPA’s hardworking fleet. Credit: TNPA Dredging Services
He believes that those making green procurement decisions ahead of the pack when it comes to fleet renewal, are likely to be rewarded for this leap of faith. “There are not enough vessels to meet the burgeoning African market,” Zikalala tells CEDA Industry News (CIN), noting that they have had a busy year. “We are responsible for hydrographic survey, and capital and maintenance dredging at our eight commercial ports. We also market spare capacity to neighbouring ports to ensure the safety and sustainability of port channels, basins, and berths.”
Growing demand
Companies such as Parc BV, which joined CEDA in September 2023, and have sustainability baked into their model are experiencing similar shifts in customer needs. The organisation specialises in the maintenance, repair and supply of rubber dredging hose systems, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, and steel pipes, and prefers to perform repairs where possible rather than fabricating. “We use cutting-edge technology, non-toxic materials, and continuously improve our methods of working to extend the lifespan of dredging equipment,” explains Margreeth van den Berg, Parc BV Managing Director.
Hoses and pipes can often be repaired. Credit Parc BV
She believes promoting regulations that require industry to reduce waste, such as rubber hoses, is both environmentally and commercially expedient. “Repairing, rather than replacing, reduces landfill or incineration, and significantly reduces our customers' operating costs. As an industry, we can minimise our carbon footprint by reducing consumption, repairing and reusing where possible, and recycling as a last resort. The era of ‘use and discard’ is over”, she tells CIN.
Walter Treffers, of KSB Nederlands BV, a leading supplier of pumps and valves and related services, which joined CEDA in August 2023, observes that there are different ways to deliver sustainability. “Increasingly, we recommend reverse engineering pumps to prolong their working lives still further, as opposed to manufacturing replacements, as this reduces production-related emissions and customer costs”, he explains. However, acknowledging that it will always be necessary, to some extent, to produce new parts, he believes customers should remember that high quality products usually have a longer operational life than cheaper alternatives, which in itself helps to reduce waste.
Engineer fabricating one of the biggest dredge pumps in the world. Credit: KSB Group
Treffers also points out that business resilience, a concept distinct from, but related to, sustainability is extremely important for customers. “Maintaining high levels of stock allows us to immediately service customer needs, should a piece of equipment fail. This, alongside our ability to repair or install equipment at our facilities or in the field is vital to ensuring business continuity and to keep ports operating at capacity”, he says.
Both KSB BV and Parc BV enjoy global reach through strategically located mobile workshops/facilities. This reduces emissions relating to the transport of heavy equipment over long distances which benefits the environment, and also enables them to deploy rapidly to support customer needs, which assures continuity of operations and enhances resilience. As an added benefit, pre-deployed assets means that contingency services can be offered at a lower cost.
Accelerating best practice
Cost will, of course, continue to be a concern for companies changing their operating practices, but many dredging sector players have found that information sharing is an ideal way to prevent wasting resources and speeding up the green transition. Many members are choosing to take advantage of platforms to accelerate their thinking. “Learning the lessons of other CEDA members will accelerate organisational development and expand our sustainable dredging practices,” Zikalala says, explaining that this was one of the drivers for TNPA Dredging Services signing up for CEDA membership. Noting that many regional companies are struggling to keep pace with the rapid development of green technology, he feels that access to knowledge from companies around the world will ensure that his organisation is following best practice.
Additionally, he intends to harness the insights from collective conversations to direct the business. “Upskilling our employees so they can operate and service increasingly complex dredging equipment is a priority for us,” Zikalala says. “ In addition to extensive technical training, the most effective ways to achieve this is by broadening their horizons and expanding their networks. As the dredging community’s leading independent forum across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, we see CEDA as the ideal forum for us to learn from subject matter experts.”
Parc BV’s Van den Berg feels that best practice, particularly for sustainability, relies on open conversation. “Dredging is an innovative industry and much has already been done to reduce CO2 emissions, for example, but we must define common sustainability objectives. The opportunity to contribute to the policy development work of the six CEDA Commissions, particularly in the area of sustainability, was a factor in our decision to become a member,” she explains.
For Treffers, a focus for the coming year is strengthening connections. KSB is a family-run that is able to invest significant capital into product research and development to drive innovation forward. The company already controls its entire production process to assure quality standards, offers customers a concept-to-top-coat service and has close ties with offshore and pump manufacturer associations. Explaining that KSB Netherlands BV recognised the need to establish closer professional ties with the dredging community, he says: “We are keen to build relationships across the dredging industry. Participating in CEDA Commissions and conferences provides the opportunity to share our technical knowledge and better understand the industry’s operational requirements, enabling us to design the next generation of pumps and valves to support it.”
Tackling challenges together
As the sector evolves to accommodate new regulations, technologies and practices, stakeholders must collaborate to meet 21st century demands, including environmental protection, transparency and value for money. CEDA is recognised as a leader in developing best practices to minimise the environmental impact of dredging. It also encourages information sharing and networking between members, who are increasingly looking to pool resources and expertise to achieve business success. These attributes continue to attract new members from across the dredging industry and its associated stakeholders, as sustainability becomes more embedded in business planning.
CIN will continue to showcase the views of members through a new series of articles, so if you would like to be interviewed, please email CIN@intentcommunications.co.uk
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