Jan De Nul: Spotlight on Bankbusters project

Every year, Jan De Nul dredges millions of cubic meters of material to keep ports and rivers accessible.

In the Bankbusters project, the company worked together with their partners to explore how this dredged sediment can be used to protect riverbanks against erosion in a natural way.

Tidal areas and wetlands along rivers are crucial ecosystems. They help prevent flooding, reduce erosion, and purify water.

“Unfortunately, these areas are under pressure from human activity and natural forces. Together with partners from industry and research institutions, we explored within the Bankbusters program whether these ecosystems can be restored and strengthened in a natural way,” Jan De Nul said.

“Our pilot project along the Scheldt in Antwerp examined how dredged silt, combined with willow bundles and rock, can restore severely eroded riverbanks.”

The results showed positive effects on biodiversity, protection against flooding and sustainable economic growth.