Dutch engineering firm Royal IHC, through its IHC Mining division, has secured an order for a new compact dredger from Cape Town, South Africa-based Guerrini Marine Construction.
This dredger will be used to execute dredging works in the sensitive Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve area.
Zeekoevlei is a 250-hectare water body located half an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the south-western corner of the densely urbanised Cape Flats. Zeekoevlei was proclaimed a local authority nature reserve in June 2000 and is one of the newest conservation areas in Cape Town.
Zeekoevlei is unique in being a fully urban nature reserve where much of its boundary is openly shared with 136 private homeowners.
The dredging volumes to be removed are approximately 364,000 cubic metres of organic sludge and fines, which currently negatively impact waste water treatment for the municipality.
IHC Mining's compact dredger was selected because of the minimal environmental impact it has on the reserve’s flora and fauna while cost-effectively meeting the production demand over the project duration.
IHC Mining said the operating methodology employed by the dredger additionally offers the least impact to the local yacht club operations and its members.
Dredging is due to commence in May 2025.