Van Oord announced winner of the IADC Safety Award 2026
During the IADC Annual General Meeting in Malta, IADC Secretary General, Arnold de Bruijn, announced the winner of the Safety Award 2026. The IADC Safety Award is granted each year to a dredging company that has showcased an innovative solution to safety challenges often encountered throughout the global industry. This year’s award went to Van Oord for its pipe lifting tool.
DREDGING CONTRACTOR AWARD
Van Oord was granted the Safety Award for reducing risks in reclamation pipe handling with a smarter lifting solution designed for safer, more efficient operations
Van Oord has developed an innovative pipe lifting tool that improves safety and efficiency during storage and reclamation pipe handling operations. Traditionally, riggers needed to work between stacked pipes to connect lifting gear, exposing them to risks such as hand and finger injuries or being crushed between pipes. The new mechanically operated pipe lifting tool removes the need for personnel to enter these hazardous areas by automatically connecting to and disconnecting from the pipe. This reduces the number of people required during lifting operations and significantly lowers the risk of injury.
The specially designed clamps also enable pipes to be stored closer together, optimising available storage capacity. By combining automated lifting with smarter storage solutions, Van Oord’s pipe lifting tool supports safer working practices while improving operational efficiency on site.
ANNUAL AWARDS SHOWCASE AND CELEBRATE SAFETY INNOVATION IN INDUSTRY
“Safe and efficient handling of reclamation pipes is a challenge well known across the dredging industry. Van Oord’s pipe lifting tool provides a practical mechanical solution that requires no external energy source and can be used in a wide range of operations. A simple and broadly applicable design like this can make a significant difference on reclamation projects worldwide by reducing manual handling, improving safety and supporting more efficient operations.” – Arnold de Bruin, Secretary General of IADC.
“'We are proud to showcase our pipe lifting tool to the dredging industry. The tool is operated mechanically and therefore very robust and easy to use. By requiring less people, we reduce exposure to the risks involved in the lifting activity. This innovation is another great example of how a strong safety culture, where colleagues are empowered to speak up and share ideas for improvement, benefits us all.” – Govert van Oord, CEO, Van Oord
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