MEET ARNOLD DE BRUIJN, IADC’S NEW SECRETARY GENERAL
On 1 November 2025, I stepped into the role of Secretary General of the International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC). In many ways, it felt like the natural continuation of a journey that started long before I ever imagined a career in dredging. My fascination with water, the maritime world, engineering and, above all, teamwork has shaped every decision I have made, from my earliest days in the Sea Scouts to becoming a naval architect and, later, an association professional. Looking back, each chapter prepared me for this new responsibility: helping guide an industry that shapes coastlines, protects communities and keeps global trade moving. This article reflects on that journey and shares my perspective on where our industry is headed. It is also the story of how I found myself “stuck in the mud,” why I am grateful for it and why I believe dredging is more essential than ever.
SEDIMENT: THE SILENT THREAT TO RESERVOIR SUSTAINABILITY
Reservoirs are critical elements of global water infrastructure, supporting water supply, flood protection, hydropower generation and ecological functions. Their long-term performance, however, is increasingly undermined by sedimentation – a slow and often overlooked process that reduces storage capacity and disrupts natural sediment continuity along river systems. This article examines sedimentation as a key sustainability challenge for reservoirs and impounded waters. It outlines the causes and impacts of sediment trapping, from declining reservoir capacity to downstream river and delta erosion, and explains why proactive sediment management is essential. The article concludes by presenting continuous sediment transfer as a sustainable approach to maintaining reservoir functionality while restoring sediment continuity.
TALKING HEADS
Successful sustainable port and coastal protection projects require more than environmental impact assessments; an integrated economic analysis that monetises social and environmental impacts is essential to reveal societal value and assess sustainability. We asked two industry professionals to share their expertise on the topic.
Sustainability in project initiation, planning and design: how to design more sustainable infrastructure
In the first DFSI Magazine, the concept of sustainability in relation to dredging projects was explained. How to integrate this concept in project design is the focus of this article, adapted from the third chapter of Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure (2018), and provides the theme for this issue.
Bankbusters: Ecosystem-based riverbank management
Estuarine tidal wetlands offer vital ecosystem services, including flood protection, erosion control and water purification. However, these estuarine ecosystems actually face significant pressures caused by both human activities and natural forces, leading to habitat and ecosystem degradation and loss. The Bankbusters project adressess these issues by reusing soft dredged sediments to restore tidal marshes and mudflats as natural riverbank systems. As such, this initiative promotes biodiversity, enhances flood resilience and supports sustainable economic growth through innovative, eco-friendly and resilient solutions in the Scheldt estuary.
AquaForest: A nature-based solution for dredged sediments
AquaForest is a demonstration project led by Jan De Nul showcasing a green-grey approach, where dredged sediments are being reused to create 50 hectares of mangrove habitat in the Guayas Delta, Ecuador. The project aimed to advance knowledge on the conceptual design and eco-engineering approaches of mangrove habitats, while strengthening local engagement and generating diversified income opportunities for local communities. A new mangrove island was built in the end of 2024 and is currently being monitored to quantify the provision of ecosystem services over time with the aim of future upscaling of this type of nature-based solutions.
TALKING HEADS
Alex Hekman, NL2120 and René Vrugt, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management discuss the necessity for a complete approach aimed at sustainable and climate-proof use of land and water systems.
INTEGRATING DREDGING IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Adapted from the second chapter of Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure (2018), this article forms the foundation for this first issue and presents the concept of sustainability in relation to dredging projects. It describes the approaches and practices that are key to creating more sustainable solutions and infrastructure – a modern way of thinking about dredging.