Innovation
Jan De Nul strongly believes that innovation is the key to discover new applications for existing problems. Or simply to create a better future. In complex and challenging projects, our creativity can make a difference.
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Prins Hendrik Sand Dyke
On the Dutch island Texel, we created a new dune landscape against an old leaking dyke and a salt marsh landscape on the seaward side. This approach made the transition between land and water natural and sustainable again.
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Coastbusters
The reef ‘Coastbusters’ off the Belgian coast stabilizes the foreshore base, strengthens the ecosystem and reduces erosion. We have tested three ‘biological builders’: shellfish, seaweed and seagrasses and sand mason worms.
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Underwater breakwater in Benin
For years, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean have been eroding the coastline of Benin. To protect the coast, we installed a 5 km long underwater breakwater that also serves as a coral reef. They strengthen each other in their primary function: breaking the waves and reducing their impact on the coastline.
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Sound-absorbing bubble screen
Driving piles into the seabed can cause noise pollution. We strongly dampen these sound waves by using sound-absorbing installation tools and by simultaneously creating sound-insulating air bubble screens around the vessel.
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Next-generation vessels
We designed our newbuild vessels Voltaire and Les Alizés as gasoil-powered vessels equipped with a highly advanced dual exhaust gas filtration system comprising a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). On top of that, Les Alizés will also be equipped with a battery that will recover energy during certain actions.
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Minimal ground pressure
Our intertidal ploughing vehicle Sunfish has a ground pressure no higher than that of a human being. An ideal machine to bury export cables in nature-sensitive areas.
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Vacuuming plastic particles
Historical pollution of plastic particles is a major issue. To deal with this problem, we designed the Nul-O-Plastic: a flexible and compact vacuum cleaner with a long hose that hoovers up the plastic particles in the container. Once the container is full, it is emptied in a central depot. The rubber caterpillar tracks of the machine ensures minimal impact on the soil.
