CEOBaselYousef

“a complete solution to environmentally friendly cutting.”

Now the first two units o f the system – which can be used with any type of dredger and retrofitted to existing dredgers – are scheduled for delivery to a USA customer by the end of this year.

Greener dredging

“Dredge Yard strives for a greener future where dredging will not cause any negative impacts on the nature and its inhabitants,” said Mr Yousef. “As a result, we are constantly researching the newest technologies in order to design and engineer more efficient, greener dredging solutions.”

Next year should see the new electric cutter showcasing at events. But orthodoxy and convention run deep in the dredging sector, and Mr Yousef concedes that many operators are likely to wait for it to become more operational before committing themselves.

“We have customers who are extremely interested, and we are talking to some with the aim of implementing this technology,” he explained.

“Unfortunately, our market is rather conservative, and in the main they want to see it more in the market before they adopt it.”

If Dredge Yard is an industry front runner, Mr Yousef dismissed any suggestion that it is engaged in a competitive sprint: “We don't see ourselves in race with others. In fact, we want to engage in cooperation with others, even competitors, to improve dredging and minimise its impact on the environment.

“The new electric close blades cutter is our patent, but we will be offering this widely across the market and we are open to work with any other company or competitor to support the environment.

“Dredging is an activity unique to its environment, from soil types to weather and hydrographical conditions. Therefore , we believe that every project requires a different solution, and we are here to adapt to it.

“We have a vision of a dredging industry, which offers a safe, healthy, accident-free workplace,” Mr Yousef concluded, “improving the environment and living standards, and without causing harm to the surrounding habitats and nature.

“We need to make progress, move forward and work together to improve this industry.” n