Van Oord has commenced a coastal reinforcement project at Banjaard Beach on Noord-Beveland using what the company says is the first bio-LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredger to operate in the Netherlands.

The Dutch marine contractor, commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, will deposit 1 million cbm of sand on and in front of the beach as part of coastal maintenance work that began in September.

The vessel — which was not named by Van Oord, but the company's announcement was accompanied by images of only the Vox Apolonia — runs largely on bio-LNG produced from sustainable bio-based materials, including organic household waste and agricultural waste, and is certified under the ISCC EU certification system for compliance with the European Union's legal requirements for sustainable fuels.

"By deploying the LNG hopper dredger powered by Bio-LNG, Van Oord emphasizes its pioneering role in the sustainability of the maritime sector," the company said.

Van Oord noted that it is the first maritime contractor with climate targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The firm added that it is working towards a net-zero ambition and continuing to develop sustainable solutions for projects worldwide in collaboration with clients and stakeholders as part of its decarbonisation efforts.

The Noord-Beveland project forms part of a broader contract package awarded to Van Oord by Rijkswaterstaat in March, which also includes beach replenishment work at Heemskerk and Goeree Westkop. These contracts fall under the Coastline Care programme, which focuses on strengthening the Dutch coastline through regular sand replenishment.

Van Oord operates three LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredgers: Vox Ariane, Vox Apolonia and Vox Alexia.