CEDA Dredging Days focuses on sustainability

The conference and exhibition took place in Antwerp, Belgium on 1-3 October and provided delegates with an excellent programme of technical and social events.Under the theme

‘Dredging facing sustainability’

, presentations in six technical sessions addressed the key issues facing the industry, including climate change. On the subject of climate change, it was clear from the presentations that dredging and maritime construction have important and complex roles to play. On the one hand the profession can contribute to the fight by reducing CO2 emissions through the development and use of innovative dredging equipment and technology. It also has an important role in enabling the shift to renewable energy sources, for instance, through the construction of wind farms. On the other hand, the industry will play a crucial role in our adaptation to the effects of climate change by protecting human life and valuable resources from flooding.

The role of dredging in restoring wetlands and in revitalising our estuaries was also extensively discussed. In his opening speech, conference chair Freddy Aerts, who is also chairman of the Belgian Section of CEDA (Flemish Government), referred to the ProSes Scheldt Estuary 2010 development project and reminded delegates that ‘it is possible to safeguard navigation possibilities in an economic manner and at the same time take the area’s ecology into account.’

Conference highlights included the two keynote speeches: ‘Can dredging improve ecosystem services to achieve sustainability?’ by Prof. Patrick Meire and ‘The dredging industry and the European port system – challenges and opportunities’ by Prof. Theo Notteboom, both from the University of Antwerp.

There was also a lively, and very constructive, panel discussion chaired by Tony Slinn, editor in chief of CEDA’s official magazine, DPC. It focused on two key subjects: the long decision making process hindering dredging and maritime construction works, and the inefficient use of expensive monitoring data.

Belgian CEDA member companies sponsored some 25 students to attend the conference and their presence was very welcome. In keeping with CEDA’s aim to promote young professionals, it was acknowledged, by the more experienced members as a good way to encourage new entrants into the profession.

Other highlights of CEDA Dredging Days 2008 included

– The presentation by Polite Laboyrie, chairman of CEDA’s Environment Commission (CEC) with an update on CEC’s work.

– The always busy dredging exhibition featuring the latest products and services of CEDA member companies.

– The well organised technical visit, sponsored by DEME and Jan De Nul, to the 600ha flood control area. The flood control uses revolutionary solutions combining protection against high waters with nature enhancement around the towns of Kruibeke, Bazel and Rupelmonde.

– The sumptuous reception, and guided tour, at Antwerp’s beautiful 16^th century City Hall, sponsored by the City of Antwerp and its Port Authority. The hospitality was much appreciated, particularly as the City Hall stayed open, serving drinks and snacks, until the last four delegates left!

– The pub crawl combined with sightseeing sponsored by DEME. Thanks to the heavy rain showers that night the whole city centre was spotted with green umbrellas providing protection to conference participants walking from one pub to the next.

The presentations are available for conference participants and corporate members of CEDA online and will be made available to the public from 1 February 2009 on the conference’s website (www.cedaconferences.org/dredgingdays2008).

CEDA is already preparing for its next Dredging Days for which the call for papers was issued in Antwerp. With the theme ‘Dredging tools for the future’, CEDA Dredging Days 2009 will further elaborate on the subject of dredging and sustainability with a special focus on dredging equipment and technology. The event will be held 5 – 6 November 2009 in the Conference Centre at Ahoy Rotterdam, the Netherlands and is

to be held in conjunction with Europort 2009 (3-6 November 2009).

For more information visit www.cedaconferences.org