The Port of Rotterdam Authority is examining whether it would be realistic to expand its dredging activities in Rotterdam with water injection dredging. The study fits within the Port Authority’s PRISMA research programme, which looks into new dredging methods and how sediment reacts to these techniques.
The Port Authority is responsible for keeping Rotterdam’s basins and waterways at the required depths. Every year, some 5 million m3 of dredged material are removed from the port basins – equivalent to around 500 football pitches covered with a metre-thick layer of spoil. The purpose of PRISMA is to improve the efficiency of dredging in the port area and reduce the associated carbon emissions.
Water injection dredging
Water injection dredging is seen as the most promising means by which to remove clean sediment along berths and waterways for maintenance purposes. The technique involves injecting water into the soil of the project site. This creates a homogeneous mixture of water and sediment, which then flows in a specific direction under the influence of gravity and/or currents.
Over the past two years, the Port Authority has conducted trials with water injection dredging in the Calandkanaal, having set up a sludge repository in the waterway for this purpose. Injecting the sediment with water once every 6 to 8 weeks rather than removing it with a trailing suction hopper dredger has cut dredging costs at the site.
In addition, water injection dredging is used at sites in the port area that are difficult to access, as well as frequently occupied berths. As a result, port users experience less hinder from shallow berths and dredging operations that impede freight handling.
PRISMA
PRISMA is an acronym for “PRogramma Innovatie Sediment MAnagement” (PRogramme Innovation Sediment MAnagement). This programme was set up by the Port of Rotterdam Authority to explore new innovation opportunities within its dredging programme and increase insight into sediment’s specific characteristics. The PRISMA studies are performed in partnership with various research institutes, including Delft University of Technology, Deltares and MARIN.
Picture: Water injection vessel Jetsed (Van Oord) takes part in trial in Calandkanaal (by Van Oord).
