Port development in Africa has continued to gain momentum as countries on the continent launch new constructions or expand and rehabilitate existing ones amid concerns about the true impact of these projects, both on land and on the quality of the marine environment. Shem Oirere reports

Van Oord has launched its first LNG powered crane vessel to aid its modernisation programme and sustainability agenda.

When it comes to marine engineering projects, one of the greatest challenges is reducing carbon footprint, write Sander Dekker, Van Oord and Hedwig Thorborg, Boskalis.

Dredging giant Van Oord used 2014 to focus on reducing its environmental footprint and will be using 2015 to invest in improving the sustainability of its fleet.

Sustainability issues are of growing importance in the world, as the effects of human activities on the planet become more visible. As a result, explains Henk van Muijen, Managing Director of MTI Holland bv, ports and governmental organisations are demanding more sustainable products and services.

At the beginning of February dredging and marine contractor Van Oord completed the prestigious land reclamation project The World in the emirate of Dubai.

One of the world’s largest dredging contractors and marine construction companies (in terms of 2007 turnover), Van Oord is successfully deploying relatively new technology in its dredging activities.