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Understanding Dredging

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CEDA Working Group on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and uptake from sediment in dredging

Introduction

The EU’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990. Countries, cities and regions, businesses and civil society members across the world are taking action to accelerate cooperative climate action in support of the Paris Agreement.

The dredging industry is taking its responsibility. Reduction of GHG emission from dredging and support equipment is the main focus at this moment. New build and modification of vessels with energy efficient engines and systems are being developed and the use of LNG or bio fuels gain popularity. Many governments through requirements and or reward systems in the tender documents, stimulate bidders to reduce GHG emission of equipment.

It’s only recently that it has come to the attention of the CEC that GHG emission in dredging projects does not only come from the equipment used but that also the sediment that’s being dredged, transported and disposed, can release large volumes of GHG.

The CEC has decided to initiate a Work Group to elaborate on this subject. A draft ToR (below) is prepared by the CEC as a first step towards the preparation of an information paper.

Objective

The main objective of the information paper is to inform the dredging industry about this subject, about its nature, extent and relevance for the industry. The paper should make clear that this is an important subject that needs attention, more research and needs to be dealt with by decision makers.

It should provide measures that can contribute to the reduction of GHG emission by (wet) soil excavation, transport and deposition.

It should also explain the role and the responsibility of the dredging industry related to this emission of GHG.

Terms of reference

Please see the draft TOR under "related documents" below.

Members

Chair: Marijn Huijsmans, Witteveen + Bos, the Netherlands
Arjan Wijdeveld, Deltares, the Netherlands
Wouter van der Star, Deltares, the Netherlands
Daan Rijks, Boskalis, the Netherlands
Marco Wensveen, Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Luca Sittoni, DEME, Italy
Sritama Sarkar, ABL Group, UK
Tim Yzewyn, DEME, Belgium
Annelies Boerema, IMDC, Belgium
Valerie Biernaux, Antea Group, Belgium
Richard Lord, University of Teesside, UK
Julia Gebert, TU Delft, the Netherlands
Pieter de Boer, Rijkswaterstaat, the Netherlands
Amy Corp, Anchor QEA, US
Kirsten Wolfstein, Hamburg Port Authority, Germany
Sarah Berben, IMDC, Belgium
Pien van Stijn, Witteveen + Bos, the Netherlands
Martine Kox, Deltares, the Netherlands (corresp. member)