Next Step for ‘Boskalis on Bio’ Program

Boskalis and biofuels supplier GoodFuels are set to take the next key step in the ‘Boskalis on Bio’ program for the testing of sustainable bio-fuel oil.

Following earlier successful tests with ‘drop-in’ blends of light biofuel and marine gas oil, Boskalis’ 143-meter long trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Willem van Oranje will be the first dredging vessel in the world to operate on 100% bio-fuel oil.

The sulphur-free sustainable residual fuel consists wholly of used cooking oil and contains no fossil fuels. This allows a substantial carbon reduction of 90% thereby contributing to a reduction of Boskalis’ carbon footprint.

This world first for Boskalis is the result of the ‘Boskalis on Bio’ pilot program launched in 2015 in cooperation with engine manufacturer Wartsila and GoodFuels.

With this program, the Dutch giant aims to realize a substantial reduction in carbon emissions from both its vessels and its dry earthmoving equipment and trucks.

The TSHD Willem van Oranje, which was taken into service in 2010, has a hopper capacity of 12,000 cubic meters and total installed power of 13,870 kW. The versatile dredging vessel can dredge to a depth of up to 62 meters and is deployed on the most diverse maritime infrastructure projects around the world.