This approach has enhanced the efficiency of the conventional training process, eliminating the need for in-person sessions and onsite translators. Integrating multilingual support and culturally relevant content into each video, Boskalis ensure that every team member receives clear, understandable and engaging training. This enhances safety compliance across the workforce but also fosters a safer working environment by accommodating the unique learning paces and styles of its international employees.

The ease of access and portability of the training videos have shown to be highly effective in sustaining high safety standards while simultaneously improving efficiency and promoting inclusivity. This innovation of marrying technology with practical application can fulfil the dynamic requirements of today's diverse teams working on complex large-scale projects.

BRACKET FOR QUICK FIT PIPE CONNECTION BY JAN DE NUL

In many reclamation projects, bolting landline pipes is not always feasible due to time constraints or the continuous discharge process of the dredger. In such cases, push pipes are used as an alternative. However, these connections are more susceptible to separation under pressure, especially when there are nearby vibrations during the start-up of the discharge process or when there is a bend behind the female quick fit. To help mitigate those risks, Jan De Nul has designed a bracket to improve the security between the male and female quick fit connection on landline pipes.

The design consists of two parallel steel plates with openings that fit the quick fit connection, allowing the bracket to rest securely and stably on the pipe. To improve safety, the bracket is attached to the pipes using chains. This ensures that, in the event of sudden release of tension, the bracket remains secured and does not pose a risk to personnel nearby.

ZERO BALANCER FOR HAND TOOLS BY DEME

Zero balancers are mechanical devices designed to suspend tools, equipment or parts, making them feel weightless for the operator. They are widely used in industrial settings to enhance efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.

DEME has employed these tools for their many benefits, which include: reduced operator fatigue – by neutralising the tool's weight, spring balancers reduce strain and fatigue for the operator; enhanced safety – they promote a safer work environment by preventing tools from being accidentally dropped or damaged; and increased efficiency – workers can handle heavy tools with ease and precision, improving productivity.

INNOVATIONS WORKING IN CONFINED SPACE OF DOUBLE BOTTOM DREDGING TANKS BY PENTA-OCEAN

Cassiopeia V is a cutter suction dredger featuring a specialised double bottom tank configuration designed to house critical hydraulic lines. Unlike conventional vessels where such tanks are typically used for ballast, Cassiopeia V’s tanks are narrow, compact and congested, necessitating frequent crew access for inspection, maintenance and repairs. These entries are particularly hazardous due to poor ventilation, structural movement during dredging operations (hogging and sagging) and recurring hydraulic leaks that may leave residual oil vapours, even after standard gas-free checks.

To address these challenges, Cassiopeia V implemented a custom-modified confined space safety system. The solution features a multi-user industrial breathing apparatus with extended air supply hoses, enabling multiple crew members to work safely within the tanks without the physical burden of bulky self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. This system significantly improves mobility, comfort and endurance while ensuring a continuous supply of breathable air in enclosed spaces.

This vessel’s specific solution has enhanced confined space safety, minimised operational risks and improved crew confidence. It serves as a strong example of how targeted innovation can address practical safety challenges and raise the standard for enclosed space operations in the dredging industry.

FORWARD DUMPING METHOD FOR ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCKS BY BOSKALIS

The forward dumping method for articulated dump trucks (ADTs) is a groundbreaking safety innovation developed and implemented by Boskalis that sets a new industry standard for how material is moved and discharged in reclamation and dredging operations. This method challenges decades of convention by eliminating the need for reversing during dumping activities. Instead, the ADTs are directed to drive forward over previously deposited, compacted material and discharge their load in a controlled, linear movement.

This operational shift is deceptively simple, but its impact is transformative. It eliminates a major source of incidents, increases production, reduces mechanical wear and removes the need for ground personnel near heavy equipment. The Forward Dumping Method is a no-cost, high-reward innovation and one that is immediately scalable across projects globally.

At its core, this method is a perfect embodiment of the NINA (No Incidents – No Accidents) values – it does not rely on behaviour-based compliance but builds safety directly into the design of the task. It does not manage risk, it erases it. It turns one of the most hazardous daily activities on site into a non-event.

MODULAR SOUND VELOCITY PROFILE WINCH BY JAN DE NUL

On trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) operating offshore without a floating auxiliary plant (FLAP), bathymetric surveys must be conducted on board. A critical part of this process involves regularly collecting sound velocity profiles (SVP), which requires deploying a probe into the water, allowing it to sink to the seabed and retrieving it to gather data. Across the industry, this task is still typically performed manually, exposing operators to significant safety risks, such as falling overboard when leaning over railings, rope entanglement leading to hand and leg injuries or burns, the danger of being pulled overboard if the rope becomes caught in the propellers and physical strain from repetitive tasks in awkward positions.

To address these challenges, Jan De Nul – together with Seatec – developed the modular, electrically driven SVP winch, also known as the Seatec Lier 113. This innovation offers a safer, more ergonomic solution by automating the launch and recovery of the probe, removing the n eed for manual handling near the vessel’s edge. Its lightweight, modular design makes it easy to assemble, move between vessels after use, while the integrated spooling system ensures smooth, tangle-free cable handling throughout the operation.

SHIP SPECIFIC SCAFFOLDING BOOK BY DEME

Whenever a vessel constructs a unique, complex or challenging scaffolding setup that has not been built before, it is documented in the scaffolding book. This avoids having to reinvent the wheel each time as crew can simply refer to the ship specific scaffolding book.

Each entry includes clear, high-quality photos of the completed structure together with a detailed list of all the scaffolding components used. In addition, helpful tips and tricks for handling specific features are also included. Having this information recorded and easily accessible allows everyone to understand the requirements and assembly process in situ.

By using the scaffolding book, crew are better prepared for upcoming jobs, allowing them to quickly and accurately rebuild the same setup when required. It not only saves valuable time but also ensures consistent safety standards across all teams and preserves knowledge even when crew members change.

SELF-CLEANING DRAG HEAD BY BOSKALIS

From a safety perspective the elevated position of a drag head on the inboard gantry cradle poses inherent safety risks when attempting to remove rocks and debris from within the drag head. The practice encourages personnel to work near or under suspended loads and contradicts established safety guidance. Particularly in environments where rock or debris is prone to becoming lodged in the drag head, the risk to crew members is notably elevated.

Boskalis’ self-cleaning drag head features a movable grid that supplements the fixed steel grating, which prevents large debris from entering the drag head. When blockages occur, the movable part of the grid can be activated remotely, temporarily increasing the grid aperture – both during dredging operations and while the drag head is stored on deck – facilitating the dislodging of obstructions without requiring manual intervention. This advancement not only reduces risk to personnel but increases productivity as blockages can be actively removed.

SAFE STORAGE OF METAL PLATES IN WORKSHOP BY JAN DE NUL

Metal plates, commonly used for repairs, maintenance and equipment fabrication in the dredging industry are stored in designated racks at Jan De Nul’s worksites. Safe access to the hoisting points on top of these big metal plates during storage and removal is both challenging and time consuming.

To address this safety risk, the workshop crew came up with the idea to fabricate ladders with railings to provide safe and easy access, and a platform with anti-slip features that can be installed in between the plate racks. Positioned 145 cm above ground level, the platform is fully enclosed between the racks, ensuring full compliance with industry best practices for working at height. The design also optimises space, which is a highly desired feature on dredging vessels with congested deck areas.

BARGE WASHING PUMP BY DEME

A common problem in backhoe dredging is dealing with an accumulated dredged material on barge passageways. After dredging is completed, normal practice is for the backhoe to take water into the bucket several times to clean up the spilled material. This is both time and fuel consuming, can add extra water in the hopper and is not efficient when dealing with sticky material.

To solve this problem DEME installed a barge washing pump on one of its backhoe dredgers. The barge washing pump is operated at the end of dredging while the barge is still being loaded. Once dredging is completed, the deck wash is also finalised and the barge can unmoor and cast off.

MODULAR PONTOON FOR WORKING IN A SPUD WELL BY DEME

For works in the spud well of one of DEME’s cutter suction dredgers, the challenge was to execute the work in a safe way. Before, when works had to be carried out on the cylinder and other structures in the spud well, there was nothing in place to work safely. Small inflatable boats had to be used or the crew sat on the top of the structure wearing personal fall protection. Either way, it was not easy to execute the works.

RECLAMATION PIPE GASKET REDESIGN BY VAN OORD

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING LIGHTING SYSTEM BY JAN DE NUL

REMOTELY OPERATED LIFTING KEY BY DEME