Rotterdam, Netherlands | January 7, 2026 – In a significant milestone for the maritime energy transition, Van Oord has announced the successful completion of a major coastline maintenance project in Noord-Beveland, Zeeland, powered entirely by 100% Bio-LNG.
The project, commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management), saw the trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Vox Apolonia deposit 1 million cubic metres of sand along the Banjaard beach. While beach nourishment is a routine part of the Dutch Coastline Care program, the total reliance on drop-in biological liquefied natural gas (Bio-LNG) marks a pivotal shift from pilot projects to full-scale operational reality.
The “Green Fuel Fund” in Action
The use of 100% Bio-LNG was facilitated by Van Oord’s Green Fuel Fund, an internal financial mechanism launched in late 2024. The fund is designed to bridge the “green premium”, the price gap between conventional marine fuels and their sustainable alternatives, making it more feasible for clients like Rijkswaterstaat to opt for lower-emission execution methods.
“Rijkswaterstaat sets minimum requirements for emissions and encourages even greater efforts in its procurement process by offering award advantages,” said Harry Zondag, Strategic Advisor for the dredging market at Rijkswaterstaat. “It’s great that Van Oord is on board with this and is developing its own ideas.”
Technical Spotlight: The Vox Apolonia
The Vox Apolonia, one of Van Oord’s state-of-the-art LNG-fueled vessels, acted as the primary workhorse for the Noord-Beveland reinforcement. By utilizing Bio-LNG, the vessel significantly reduced its carbon footprint compared to standard LNG or Marine Gas Oil (MGO), while virtually eliminating sulfur oxides ($SO_x$) and particulate matter.
| Project Metric | Detail |
| Vessel Used | TSHD Vox Apolonia |
| Fuel Type | 100% Bio-LNG |
| Volume Deposited | 1,000,000 m3 of sand |
| Location | Banjaard beach, Noord-Beveland |
| Framework | Dutch Coastline Care programme |
Scaling the Strategy
For the bunkering and maritime industry, this project serves as a proof-of-concept for the scalability of Bio-LNG in heavy-duty offshore operations. Van Oord, the first maritime contractor to have its climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), views this as a blueprint for future tenders.
“This proves that sustainability in the maritime sector isn’t just a future ambition for us, it’s already a reality,” stated Tom van Eijk, Project Manager at Van Oord. “Together with Rijkswaterstaat, we’re taking a significant step toward emission-free coastal maintenance.“
What’s Next for Zeeland?
The momentum is set to continue into 2027. Under the same program, Van Oord is scheduled to carry out further beach replenishment projects at Goeree-Westkop and Heemskerk. Given the success of the Noord-Beveland campaign, the industry will be watching closely to see if 100% Bio-LNG becomes the new “baseline” for Dutch maritime tenders.
The Bio-LNG Advantage
Bio-LNG is derived from sustainable bio-based feedstocks, such as organic household waste and agricultural residues. Fuel bunkered for this operation is certified under the ISCC EU certification system, ensuring it meets strict European sustainability criteria. By utilizing Bio-LNG, Van Oord significantly lowers the carbon footprint of the dredging operation, showcasing the potential for greener practices in maritime infrastructure projects.
Bio-LNG is emerging as a key tactical fuel that enables:
- Immediate carbon intensity reduction
- Compatibility with existing LNG-fueled vessels
- Lower methane slip when used with updated engine technology
- Enhanced regulatory compliance, especially in EU-linked projects
About Van Oord
Van Oord is a leading international marine contractor specializing in dredging, marine construction, offshore wind, and infrastructure. Headquartered in Rotterdam, the company operates globally with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaborative project delivery. As the first marine contractor with SBTi-approved climate targets, Van Oord is actively reshaping the future of maritime operations through low-emission technology, alternative fuels, and sustainable partnerships.
Source Van Oord