Dutch contractors complete Walvis Bay Port expansion despite toxic gas challenge

Dutch maritime contractors Van Oord and joint venture partner Boskalis have successfully completed an extensive dredging project at Walvis Bay.

According to Van Oord, the project involved deepening the 10km-long access channel to the port of Walvis Bay from -14.4m to -16.8m and widening it from 130m to 200m.

Additionally, the harbour basin was dug out to a depth of -16.3m and expanded by more than 400m. The work was carried out using trailing suction hopper dredgers Vox Alexia and Gateway.

The company, however, revealed that it had encountered significant challenges during the project due to the presence of high concentrations of toxic hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in the dredged sediment, and had implemented extensive health and safety measures.

“To mitigate this risk, a large number of health and safety measures were taken during the mobilisation prior to the project, including modifications to the vessels and the installation of dozens of sensors and special H2S filters. Also, the vessel crews were trained on how to deal with H2S. They were able to measure the concentration of H2S in the air at all times and established safe working protocols on board.”

To further enhance safety, the company said additional sensors were installed on the quays of the port area to provide early warnings to workers and port users in case of H2S detection.

“A large number of sensors were also installed on the quays of the port area to alert the workers and users of the port in time in case the gas appeared,” the company added.

Van Oord confirmed that the project was completed without incidents and within the scheduled time frame.

The completion of the project is expected to improve access to the port, facilitating increased maritime trade and economic activity at Walvis Bay.