Oil spill and sweep dredging vessel reduces emissions by up to 98%.
The Maritime Access division of the Department of Mobility and Public Works ensures that the Scheldt remains navigable at all times, from the coast to beyond Antwerp. In doing so, it relies on the Pieter Coecke, an oil spill and sweep dredging vessel operated by Jan De Nul. The vessel helps maintain access to the Antwerp port docks, clears floating debris from the Scheldt, and combats oil pollution.
At the end of 2024, the Pieter Coecke underwent maintenance at Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen, where it was fitted with new engines. These engines feature ULEv technology, short for Ultra-Low Emission vessel. This technology reduces vessel emissions by 85 to 95% for nitrogen oxides and by 95 to 98% for particulate matter. As a result, Pieter Coecke now meets the stringent EU Stage V emission standards.
"Jan De Nul aims to reduce its emissions by 40% by 2035. This is a huge challenge, but we are working towards it step by step."
Key Requirement
Compliance with the EU Stage V emission standard was a key requirement for the Flemish government to extend the contract awarded to Jan De Nul in 2023. The Pieter Coecke's contract runs for three years but can be extended once, provided the vessel meets at least the EU Stage V standard by the third calendar year. The deadline for this was 30 June 2025, but it has now already been met.
Yi-Bin Shan, Head of Maritime Access at the Department of Mobility and Public Works:
"This dredging vessel operates on the Scheldt year-round. For the Flemish government, it is essential that it meets the strict European standards. With this development, we significantly reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions."
Swiss Tunnels
Jan De Nul’s engineers drew inspiration for the ULEv technology from Swiss tunnels. While this technology is already common there, it is still an innovation in the maritime sector. Pieter Coecke is the ninth ULEv vessel in Jan De Nul’s fleet.
Bart Praet, Area Manager Dredging Solutions at Jan De Nul:
"Jan De Nul aims to reduce its emissions by 40% by 2035. This is a huge challenge, but we are working towards it step by step. That’s why we are now exploring the possibility of moving from Stage V to Euro 6 in the coming years. This could further cut nitrogen oxide emissions by another 75%."
