The new zero emission deep suction dredger 'Henk Piet' has been christened
The electric suction dredger Henk Piet was christened on May 9, during a festive gathering. With the zero-emission suction dredger, initiators Koninklijke Oosterhof Holman and subsidiary Nautilus Sand Extraction can carry out projects within the framework of nitrogen extraction. For the nearby nature restoration project 'Fochteloërveen Future-proof' by Natuurmonumenten , this means that the sand is pumped underground, electrically, to the depot.
'This is a perfect example of how technology and sustainability can go hand in hand'
- Sander de Haan - CEO Koninklijke Oosterhof Holman
'Henk Piet is 22 meters tall. It can suck sand to a depth of 37 meters and has two electric pumps of 600 kWh each. The piston is 100% electric and has a total pressing distance of 3 kilometers. The most modern systems are present in the wheelhouse, such as GPS and echo sensors, in order to extract the best quality sand in real time in the most efficient way.'
Power cable to solar park
A long power cable connects Henk Piet to the floating solar park at the Weperpolder sand extraction site of Oenema . This park supplies a total of 9 megawatts of electricity. Enough to run the suction dredger fully electrically. 'This makes the suction dredger not only powerful and efficient, but also environmentally friendly. That is not only good for nature, but also for the wallet,' says De Haan.
Widely used raw material
After water, sand is the most used raw material in the world. Each person needs 18 kilos per day. Sand is used in concrete and glass, among other things, and it is used for coastal defense and the reclamation of extra land. De Haan: 'All this sand has to come from somewhere. We therefore believe that this has been a good investment and a nice addition to the activities of Oosterhof Holman.'
Unique nature reserve
'But it's not just about the technology and the profit we get from extracting sand. It is also about the importance of nature. The Fochteloërveen is a unique nature reserve and one of the last raised moor areas in the Netherlands. Nitrogen, climate change and desiccation put nature under pressure here. The rainwater that is normally retained in the raised bog drains out of the area through leaky quays. Intervention is necessary to prevent the high moors from disappearing and thereby reducing biodiversity. The old quays are being replaced by sustainable sand quays. In total, this involves more than 50 kilometers of quays. It is our responsibility to ensure that this unique environment is preserved for future generations, Together we can burden the nature reserve as little as possible and ensure that rare animals and plants find a suitable habitat here permanently. This is how we improve the living environment of tomorrow.'
The suction dredger is Custom Build designed by TV Dredging, part of Holland Shipyards Group , Oosterhof Holman and Nautilus Zandwinning BV
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