CEDA Dredging Days focus on technological innovation
Under the theme ‘Dredging Tools for the Future’, the Central Dredging Association (CEDA) put on its popular Dredging Days alongside the recent Europort exhibition in Rotterdam. The event focused on the role of technological innovation in responding to the challenges the industry is facing.
As conference chair Professor Cees van Rhee of the Delft University of Technology said in his opening remarks, ‘A dredging project cannot be designed, executed and monitored without the appropriate tools, which are becoming more and more important given the dredging industry’s future challenges, such as rising energy costs, climate change, increasing demands for dredging services in new regions, the appearance of new customers, plant shortages and the need for sustainable dredging solutions.’
The tools that were presented during the conference were diverse, ranging from equipment specially designed for extreme conditions such as hard sediments in sensitive areas and devices for very deep water as well as tools for modelling and monitoring of dredging projects. All were highlighted in a well structured and balanced programme comprising six technical sessions spanning over two days.
New for 2009 was the CEO Forum, with experts representing the cross section of CEDA’s diverse membership presenting their views on the outlook for the industry in light of the recent economic developments. Topics addressed in the lively discussion included the impact of economic downturn on project investment decisions; perspectives for the markets region by region; new emerging markets; competition and pricing levels, amongst others.
An IADC Best Paper Award for a young author was presented to Jelmer Braaksma of IHC Systems in the Netherlands for his paper entitled, ‘Estimating the immeasurable: Soil properties’.
Preceding the conference, an optional technical visit was organised to Maasvlakte 2’s FutureLand Visitor Centre which gave attendees the unique opportunity to see this landmark project in progress.
The conference was complemented by a technical exhibition showcasing the latest products and services of leading companies and organizations in the field.
The traditional CEDA Netherlands Reception that took place in the exhibition area was the place to be for any dredging professional. In addition to conference delegates, all CEDA members were invited. It provided excellent opportunity to continue discussions in an informal relaxed atmosphere or just to have a good time with dredging friends after a busy day. All in all, CEDA Dredging Days 2009 was a great success.
Most of the presentations made at the CEDA Dredging Days will be available on the conference’s website as PDF files from March 2010. Visit www.dredgingconferences.org/dredgingdays2009
