A major dredging project in Spain

A challenging dredging project in which personnel and equipment were in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thanks to an efficient shift system, we were able to guarantee our 24/7 service at all times. And this wasn’t in the Netherlands, but in A Coruña, Spain.

Our work formed the first phase of a major environmental dredging project in the estuary (ría). The aim of this phase was to remove sand from the access channel, so that vessels could safely enter the area to carry out the subsequent work on the environmental dredging project. The dredged sand was immediately put to sustainable use and reused to replenish the beach at Santa Cristina.

The aim of the overall project is to restore the estuary by removing contaminated sediment and partially replacing it with clean material. This will improve water and soil quality, allow shellfish beds to recover, and enhance the area’s recreational value.

During our work, the dredged material was placed in ridges so that a sand dredger could efficiently pump and remove it. Following completion of this first phase, the project continued with the dredging of approximately 170,000 m³ of Category II material, which was stored in geotubes. The material collected in the geotubes simultaneously created new land. In a later phase, this area became part of a recreational area along the promenade.

Subsequently, approximately 223,000 m³ of Category II material, which was suitable for this purpose, was removed and transported in hopper barges for disposal at sea. In the final phase, the dredged areas were backfilled with approximately 170,000 m³ of clean sediment (Category I) sourced from the canal areas.

As with any complex dredging project, the conditions here also presented a number of challenges. The effects of the tides called for a flexible approach, and some repairs to the equipment were required during the project. Thanks to the expertise and rapid response of our engineers, this work was carried out immediately on site, ensuring that the project remained on track.

Thanks to the dedication of our experienced staff, our reliable equipment and a well-organised logistics operation, this first phase has been successfully completed. Transporting personnel and machinery to Spain required careful preparation, but proved once again that we are capable of carrying out international projects efficiently, safely and professionally.