Consortium Hakkers – Van Oord – De Klerk wins contract for first phase of widening Yangtze Canal

Hakkers, Van Oord and De Klerk are building the new tug quay directly by the entrance on the south side of the Yangtze Canal close to the largest container terminals. Besides the construction of 500 metres of quay wall in the form of a combi wall, the consortium is responsible for the removal of the existing soil and bank protection, the construction of new soil protection and the dredging of approximately 800,000 m3 of sand and clay to widen the canal and the free dredging of the new quay. The Yangtze Canal Sea transport is the backbone of international trade and the world economy. Ports and waterways must be enlarged and maintained to keep pace with the growing volume of sea transport. The Yangtze Canal is the entrance to various harbours, including the Princess Amaliahaven, Princess Arianehaven and Princess Alexiahaven. The largest container ships sail to and from terminals on the Tweede Maasvlakte through the Yangtze Canal. Construction of the tug quay is part of the Yangtze Canal widening programme. The widening is required due to increasing traffic and to create space for the latest generation of container ships. Sustainability ambitions The choice of this contractor consortium aligns with the Port Authority’s commitment to sustainable port development. The Port Authority selection criteria in this tender was based on the price-quality ratio, which is known as the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). MEAT helps to better harness the innovative power and creativity of the market. The consortium Hakkers, Van Oord and De Klerk scored very well on measures to prevent disruption and damage. There is also a major focus on ensuring the construction site is more sustainable. For example, a trailing suction hopper dredger capable of running on the renewable fuel LNG is being used. And electric equipment is being used to greatly reduce emissions during the construction work.

Hein van Laar, Commercial Director at Hakkers: “We are proud to be part of a project of this magnitude. The port of Rotterdam feels like a home port to us. Currently, we are working at a variety of locations in the Rotterdam port area. It’s wonderful that our sustainable way of building allows us to contribute positively to the Port Authority’s sustainability ambitions. We look forward to a successful partnership with consortium members Van Oord and De Klerk.” Mark van der Hoeven, Area Manager at Van Oord: “Ever since the Tweede Maasvlakte land reclamation project, Van Oord has been continuously involved in projects in this port area. For example, we are currently constructing quays in the Amaliahaven. So, we’re really looking forward to working for the Port of Rotterdam Authority and collaborating with Hakkers and De Klerk on the Yangtze Canal that we know so well. Not only do we complement each other in terms of disciplines, we are equally passionate in our sustainability ambitions.” Henry Schaap, Operations Director at De Klerk: “It’s a wonderful project that we, De Klerk, are looking forward to, working together with Van Oord and Hakkers, complementing each other’s areas of expertise. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is a long-term client. We’ve had an enduring relationship for many years and that experience gives us great confidence about the project completion. Of course, it’s really great that the sustainability ambitions of all parties are reflected in this project.”

About Koninklijke Van Oord Koninklijke Van Oord is a Dutch family-owned company with over 150 years of experience as an international marine engineering company. The company focuses on dredging, infrastructure and offshore energy. Its head office is located in Rotterdam. Van Oord has 5,243 employees (FTEs) who worked on 191 projects in 42 countries in 2022. The fleet consists of about 60 ships and a large amount of special and support equipment. Van Oord is typified by its marine ingenuity. The company aims to contribute to a better world for future generations by using innovative, smart and sustainable solutions. For more information, contact Marjolein Boer, Director of Communications, M: +31 6 213 44 973, E: press@vanoord.com About Hakkers Hakkers has always been completely at home on the border between land and water. Our 150-year-old family business is typified by its committed employees who pride themselves on the work we do and our resulting impact on society. As experts, we deliver wonderful projects within the fields of hydraulic engineering, foundation engineering and steel construction. We leverage our knowledge and experience into sustainable solutions that we carefully tailor to the needs of clients and municipalities. Want to know more about Hakkers? Contact pr@hakkers.com. About De Klerk De Klerk specialises in Hydraulic & Steel Construction. We work hard for the future. To innovatively respond to changing market demands. With transparency and sustainability as important keywords. To this end, De Klerk sets high quality standards for the company. De Klerk’s strength lies in its drive to continuously seek structural improvements and greater efficiency in projects. All this is accomplished with a skilled, motivated and flexible staff. Building multidisciplinary projects is De Klerk’s forte. The company has a large amount of floating equipment for working from the water. It also fabricates the most diverse steel constructions in its modern workshops with the latest equipment.