Events
2024 EuDA Annual Conference at Stanhope Hotel Brussels
“Making Waterborne Infrastructure Projects Sustainable.”
21 November 2024
Following the global commitments taken in 2015 in Paris and the increased awareness of the need to take immediate action, many initiatives have been taken by International Organizations and Institutions to tackle the most pressing negative externalities from economic activities around the world. Among these externalities, we find the various forms of pollution in the air, water or soil including noise pollution. If left untackled in the medium to long term, these pollutions can further harm nature and degrade its systems, through eutrophication, acidification, climate change.
Besides these environmental aspects, sustainable development approaches integrate social and societal as well as economic dimensions. In the EU, on the one hand, major disruptions in supply chains were caused by the COVID pandemic and highlighted the crucial role played by waterborne transport system and the strategic necessity to keep it fully functional. On the other hand, the war in Ukraine emphasised the danger of overdependence on too few energy suppliers. Offshore energy infrastructures are therefore considered more and more strategic for Europe’s energy independence as well as for the greening of its energy blend.
The OECD and the European Commission have taken key initiatives that aim at improving the sustainability of waterborne (transport and energy) infrastructure projects. At global level, the OECD Blue Dot Network proposes a voluntary framework to promote quality infrastructure projects around the world. Under the Green Deal, the EU has developed a regulatory framework for sustainable finance targeting the ‘green transition’ of industrial activities and companies towards sustainability. In this framework the EU imposes mandatory annual reporting on the sustainability performance of companies. Under the Green Taxonomy, the EU also specifies criteria for classifying the level of sustainability of economic activities as well as the progress in their green transitioning. As these initiatives target the financing of infrastructure projects, key players in the financial markets will be asked to present their views.
In the 2024 EuDA Annual Conference, representatives from the OECD and the European Commission will make keynote addresses in which they will present their initiatives to improve the sustainability of waterborne infrastructure projects as well as their state of play. A panel discussion will then follow with representatives from the Banking, the Insurance and the Financial Audit Industries, as well as representatives from an Environmental NGO and the Dredging Industry who will discuss these initiatives and exchange their views based on their current experience and future expectations regarding the economic activities involved in waterborne infrastructure projects. The floor will then be opened for meaningful exchanges with the audience.
Conference Overview:
Conference Opening
Mr Marc Van den Broeck – EuDA Chairman
Conference Moderation
Mr Paris Sansoglou – EuDA Secretary General
Short introduction of the conference theme and speakers
Short introduction of the conference theme and speakers
Keynotes Addresses
Voluntary Global Framework: The OECD Blue Dot Network (BDN)
Presentation of the OECD Blue Dot Network (functioning and state of play)
Mr Edwin Lau – OECD Head of Blue Dot Network Secretariat Presentation
EU Mandatory Framework: The Green Taxonomy
Presentation of the Green Taxonomy in the context of Sustainable Finance (functioning and state of play)
Mrs Claudia Olazábal – European Commission, DG ENV Head of Unit on Fresh Water Management Presentation
Speakers
Exchange of views from key Actors on the Blue Dot Network and the Green Taxonomy
Banks
Mrs Ann-Christin Stucke - Sustainability Expert in Sustainability Team of ABN AMRO Corporate Bank Presentation
Financial Auditors
Mr Gijs de Graaff – KPMG Partner Sustainability Reporting & Accounting Advisory Services Presentation
Dredging Contractors
Mrs Jiska Verhulst – Sustainability Director, DEME Presentation
Open Floor Discussion (Approx. 15 – 20 min)
View the Conference Programme in detail.
2023 EuDA Annual Conference at Stanhope Hotel Brussels
“Blue Economic Actors and Assets, Critical to deliver Europe’s Open Strategic Autonomy”
21 November 2023
Following the global confinement due to the COVID pandemic and subsequently the war in Ukraine, Europe faced in a three-year period major disruptions of its supply chains and realised that many sectors of its economy, including the strategic ones, were too dependent on only few supplying nations, which do not necessarily share Europe’s core values.
To enable its economic growth, Europe needs to safeguard its supply chains, in particular, its most strategic transport assets and accesses to resources, and to further expand its geopolitical diversification. Within the strategic assets and cornerstones of Europe’s global supply chain, waterborne transport infrastructures play a critical role. This was widely and repeatedly recognised during the recent crises. Therefore, with its Open Global Gateway, Europe intends to reinvigorate and secure its main multimodal trade routes, hubs and flows.
Europe still has a global competitive advantage in building, operating and maintaining waterborne transport infrastructures. However, over the past decade, this European leadership has been progressively weakened and is now even under threat by the relentless and determined use of unfair trade practices. Non-EU State-owned Enterprises (non-EU SoEs) are the spearheading instruments used by some nations to fulfil their economic and geopolitical ambitions. This ‘aggressive’ use of economic power and resources to deliberately weaken and progressively eliminate competition in targeted markets is also known as hybrid warfare. When the stage of economic dependence is reached, the home country’s influence is significantly increased in the area.
In 2019, Europe realised that its relationship with China was multifaceted:
“China is, simultaneously, in different policy areas, a cooperation partner […],
a negotiating partner […], an economic competitor […], and a systemic rival […].
The tools and modalities of EU engagement with China should also be differentiated […].”
a negotiating partner […], an economic competitor […], and a systemic rival […].
The tools and modalities of EU engagement with China should also be differentiated […].”
When addressing unfair trade practices, there is no silver bullet and the only effective approach is through a strategic toolbox of “differentiated” but complementary trade instruments. Since 2019, Europe has built new legislative instruments and equipped itself with trade tools to defend its internal market and its industries against the toxic effects of these practices.
During our 2023 Annual Conference, representatives from the European Commission, Academia and Industry presented their views on these multipronged threats to Europe as well as the corresponding initiatives to adequately counter them: Economic Security, Foreign Subsidies Regulation and the Open Global Gateway. They exchanged their views on their respective strategies and the way to fill the remaining gaps. The floor was opened for lively and meaningful exchanges with the audience.
Conference Overview:
Welcome and Opening
• Mr Kees van de Graaf
EuDA Vice-Chairman
EuDA Vice-Chairman
Opening Keynote Speech
• Trade Aspects of Europe’s Open Strategic Autonomy
Mr Denis Redonnet
European Commission Deputy Director General for Trade
European Chief Trade Enforcement Officer
Mr Denis Redonnet
European Commission Deputy Director General for Trade
European Chief Trade Enforcement Officer
Blue Economic Actors and Assets, Critical to deliver Europe’s Open Strategic Autonomy
• Moderation: Ms Eleonora Catella, Business Europe Deputy Director for International Relations
New Forms of Competition Distortions
• Presentation on the Concept of Economic Security
Prof. Dr Cind Du Bois Presentation
Royal Belgian Military Academy, Head of the Chair of Economics
Prof. Dr Cind Du Bois Presentation
Royal Belgian Military Academy, Head of the Chair of Economics
EU Policy Instruments
• Presentation on EU Strategy on Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR)
Ms Silvia Selandari Presentation
European Dredging Association, Director for Trade Affairs
Ms Silvia Selandari Presentation
European Dredging Association, Director for Trade Affairs
• Presentation on EU’s Global Gateway
Mr Lénaïc Georgelin Presentation
European Commission, DG INTPA Sustainable Transport and Urban Development
Mr Lénaïc Georgelin Presentation
European Commission, DG INTPA Sustainable Transport and Urban Development
Feedback from the Field
• Presentation on European Dredgers’ Challenges Inside and Outside Europe
Mr Paris Sansoglou Presentation
EuDA, Secretary General
Mr Paris Sansoglou Presentation
EuDA, Secretary General
Closing Keynote Speech
• Way Forward for the Construction Contractors
Mr Karel De Gucht
Former European Commissioner for Trade
Belgian Minister of State and
President of the VUB Institute for European Studies
Mr Karel De Gucht
Former European Commissioner for Trade
Belgian Minister of State and
President of the VUB Institute for European Studies
View the Conference Messages and the Conference Programme in detail.
EuDA @ European Shipping Summit
Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels
EuDA Session on “Maritime transport, enabling Europe’s open strategic autonomy through the Global Gateway”
19 September 2023
The European Shipping Summit (ESS) 2023 is a two-day event organised by the European Shipping Industry bringing together European and international policy-makers and regulators, representatives of the maritime sector and its supply chain, NGOs, seafarers and maritime workers to promote the industry, to reaffirm the industry’s importance for Europe, to highlight the industry’s most pressing issues and to discuss the possible ways forward, including related policies and regulations. The ESS’s engaging industry sessions and high-level dialogues are taking place on the 19-20 September 2023 at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, 9 rue du Musée, 1000 Brussels.
During the European Shipping Summit, EuDA is organising a session on the Global Gateway to reflect on the importance for Europe of its waterborne transport network and on the need to preserve this network from external threats, like the ones posed by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China uses the BRI as a long-term commercial and political framework to take or increase control over key markets, infrastructures, and resources worldwide. Often, this framework’s objectives conflict with European interests around the world.
In order to foster the European open strategic autonomy and to respond to the BRI, the European Union has launched the Global Gateway to boost smart, clean and secure links in, among other sectors, transport systems across the world. The Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments between 2021 and 2027.
This session will focus on the European companies active in shipping, ports and dredging, playing a key role in building Europe’s open strategic autonomy, and on the role of the Global Gateway in maintaining and developing these maritime transport sectors.
Speakers:
• Ms Kathleen Van Brempt
Hounourable Member of the European Parliament
The importance of the European maritime cluster
Hounourable Member of the European Parliament
The importance of the European maritime cluster
• Mr Sergio Oliete Josa Presentation
Head of Unit of Sustainable Transport at DG INTPA - European Commission
The Global Gateway Enabling European Strategic Autonomy in Maritime Transport
Head of Unit of Sustainable Transport at DG INTPA - European Commission
The Global Gateway Enabling European Strategic Autonomy in Maritime Transport
• Mr Alan Lievens Presentation
Chairman - European Dredging Association
The enabling role of the dredging industry in the Global Gateway
Chairman - European Dredging Association
The enabling role of the dredging industry in the Global Gateway
Information on the whole event (sessions, conference, lunch, dinner) can be found at European Shipping Summit 2023.
2022 EUDA Annual Conference at Sofitel Brussels Europe
“The European Green Deal: How to deliver on the environment, the society and the economy?”
23 November 2022
Some global environmental challenges, such as climate change and environmental degradation are posing existential threats to both Europe and the world. In response to this situation, the EU has made it its top priority to address the most pressing environmental challenges: climate change (reduce greenhouse gases emissions and boost climate change adaptation), unsustainable use of resources (biological, energy, water, spatial), continuous increase of pollution (reduce it in the air, water and soils) and waste (further apply circular economy principles). The EU aims at rebalancing the environmental pillar out of the three sustainability pillars by integrating coordinated political and legislative initiatives under the flagship umbrella of the EU Green Deal. The Green Deal, with amongst other its Green Taxonomy Regulation, Strategy on Adaptation to Climate and Sustainable Procurement Strategy, has the potential to become a global ‘game changer’.
If properly implemented, the Green Deal is a potential global ‘game changer’. Therefore, the EU has also integrated these objectives into its new growth strategy to incentivise the acceleration of a sound transition towards sustainability. This transition will help the European economic activities to tackle their negative externalities on the environment. To be successful, this transition should at the same time provide the European sustainability champions with major opportunities to grow. The most potent incentives are financial and the EU is currently developing the Green Taxonomy Regulation, that will allow financing flows to better target and stimulate ‘green’ economic activities in the EU but also around the world. Under the Green Deal, the EU has developed and is implementing amongst others a Strategy on Adaptation to Climate and a Sustainable Procurement Strategy.
These initiatives create a powerful supply ‘push’ on the financing side of the European economy, ideally complemented for even more effectiveness with an equally powerful demand ‘pull’ that would align the policy objectives under the Green Deal.
Representatives from the European Society, the European Commission and the European Industry will exchange their views and share their respective strategies on how implementing the Green Deal can deliver results for the environment, for society and for the economy. The floor will also be opened for discussions with the audience.
Programme Overview:
09:30 - 10:00 Registration
10:00 - 12:00 Conference
12:00 - 12:30 Cocktail
12:30 – 13:30 Networking Luncheon
14:00 – 16:00 EuDA Annual General Meeting (for Members only)
10:00 - 12:00 Conference
12:00 - 12:30 Cocktail
12:30 – 13:30 Networking Luncheon
14:00 – 16:00 EuDA Annual General Meeting (for Members only)
Conference Overview:
Moderation:
• Mr Paris Sansoglou
European Dredging Association
Secretary General
European Dredging Association
Secretary General
Speakers:
• Ms Julie Emmrich Presentation
World Green Building Council, Sustainable Finance Lead
Green Taxonomy within the EU Green Deal
World Green Building Council, Sustainable Finance Lead
Green Taxonomy within the EU Green Deal
• Ms Elena Visnar Malinovska Presentation
European Commission, DG CLIMA, Head of Unit for Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change
EU strategy on adaptation to climate change (with a focus on waterborne infrastructures) within the EU Green Deal
European Commission, DG CLIMA, Head of Unit for Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change
EU strategy on adaptation to climate change (with a focus on waterborne infrastructures) within the EU Green Deal
• Ms Anna Lupi Presentation
European Commission, DG GROW, Legal & Policy Officer on Sustainable Public Procurement Strategy
European Commission’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy for (waterborne) transport infrastructures within the EU Green Deal
European Commission, DG GROW, Legal & Policy Officer on Sustainable Public Procurement Strategy
European Commission’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy for (waterborne) transport infrastructures within the EU Green Deal
• Ms Karin De Schepper Presentation
Inland Navigation Europe - INE, Secretary General
How can the waterborne infrastructure sector deliver results for the Green Deal (for the environment, for society and for the economy) ?
Inland Navigation Europe - INE, Secretary General
How can the waterborne infrastructure sector deliver results for the Green Deal (for the environment, for society and for the economy) ?
View the Conference Messages and the Conference Programme in detail.
EuDA Internal Workshop on
“EU Emissions Trading System & Other ‘Fit For 55’ Initiatives For Dredgers”
Wednesday 16 February 2022, 10.00 Via Ms Teams
The ‘Fit for 55’ package, adopted on 14/07/2021, is a major policy and legislative package designed to deliver the Green Deal’s objectives. The European Commission proposals aim to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit in achieving a net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The package consists of a set of inter-connected proposals, which all drive towards the same goal of ensuring a fair, competitive and green transition by 2030 and beyond, by applying the ‘Polluter-Pays’ principle. Where possible existing legislation is made more ambitious and where needed new proposals are put on the table.
Overall, the package strengthens 8 existing pieces of legislation and presents 5 new initiatives, across a range policy areas and economic sectors: climate, energy and fuels, transport, buildings, land use and forestry.
Information pack
Welcome
• Paris Sansoglou, EuDA Secretary General
Workshop’s Overview Presentation
• Paul Vercruijsse, DEME, EuDA Emissions Working Group Chairman
Presentations
• Tim Noël, European Commission – DG CLIMA, Policy Coordinator Presentation
• Ricardo Batista, European Commission – DG MOVE, Policy Officer Presentation
• Virginia Dundas, Ørsted - Head of Strategic Environment Programmes Presentation
• Pieter van der Klis, Van Oord, EuDA Environment Committee Chairman
• Paul Vercruijsse, DEME, EuDA Emissions Working Group Chairman Presentation - Upon request
View the Workshop Messages
European Shipping Week 2020
EuDA’s Brainstorming Workshop
“Trade Defence Instruments for Services or Enforcement of State Aid Regulations to all non-EU State-owned Enterprises ?”
Monday 17 February 2020 – The Hotel, Brussels
Public procurement accounts for 15-20% of global GDP and represents a substantial portion of the EU economy and of many other economies around the world.
Transport infrastructures, including waterborne infrastructures represent a significant portion of EU public procurement. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), for instance, which is a key EU funding instrument for investing in infrastructures, has allocated €23.7 billion out of €30.4 billion for Transport infrastructures.
Europe is faced with unfair trade practices distorting competition in its own public procurement market and outside its territory. In Europe, the main competition distortions from third countries stem from the unchallenged access of their EU State Aid non-compliant State-owned Enterprises (SoEs) to European public procurement markets. Outside Europe, there is more and more evidence that the unfair tied financing practices by SoEs from third countries, especially from China, are closing down dredging markets around the world and getting closer to Europe.
In the context of the new European Commission’s top priority: the “Green Deal”, the future of European sustainable public procurement is at stake and depends on setting the right framework and set of requirements that will award tenders or funding only to companies that respect and apply the same European (environmental, social and economic) values, ethics and rules.
Europe needs to tackle its internal competition issues and for instance consider applying the same competition rules, including State Aid Regulations, to all companies active in Europe. Moreover, in both WTO and EU law, there are no effective trade defence instruments, such as dumping and illegal subsidies against unfair trade practices in trade in services. To fill this gap, Europe should consider applying to the services a Trade Defence Instruments procedure, currently only applicable to goods.
As Europe is the largest donor in the world, its development financing and aid, inside and outside Europe, should be granted to companies complying with a minimum set of European rules, ethics and values.
In this context, the workshop gathered experts from the Commission and the industry to reflect on the following possible way forward: develop Trade Defence Instruments for Services or enforce State Aid Regulations to non-EU State owned enterprises ? Looking at the current procedures, how can they be adapted to tackle these competition issues and what are the challenges ahead ?
Information pack
Welcome
• Alan Lievens, EuDA Chairman
Workshop’s Overview Presentation
• Paris Sansoglou, EuDA Secretary General
Opening Address
• Karel de Gucht, Former European Commissioner for Trade
Presentations
• Frank Hoffmeister, European Commission – DG TRADE, Head of Unit
• Bojana Dohms, European Commission – DG COMP
2019 EUDA Annual Conference at Stanhope Hotel Brussels
“SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OF WATERBORNE INFRASTRUCTURES”
14 November 2019
Public procurement is the process by which public authorities, national, regional and local, purchase from companies work, goods or services at all stages of a project. In total, public procurement accounts for 15-20% of global GDP and represents a substantial portion of the EU economy and the economies of many countries around the world.
Transport infrastructures, including waterborne infrastructures represent a significant portion of public procurement. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), for instance, which is a key EU funding instrument for investing in infrastructures, has allocated €23.7 billion out of €30.4 billion for Transport infrastructures.
Progressively, in addition to the primary function to be procured, public authorities introduce in their public tenders specific requirements that aim at reducing environmental impact throughout the life-cycle of their procured goods, services and works. This process can be qualified as Sustainable Public Procurement, when additionally to purchasing work, goods or services, it also seeks to achieve the appropriate balance between the three pillars of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental).
Moreover, a key dimension in this approach is the sustainable financing of the public authority, which, if overlooked, opens the gates to an unsustainable debt trap. There is more and more evidence that the unfair tied financing practices by State-owned Enterprises (SoEs) from third countries are closing down dredging markets around the world. In Europe, non-EU heavily subsidised SoEs have unchallenged access to European public procurement markets.
Well-designed requirements for Sustainable Public Procurement provide the opportunity to effectively improve the level playing field inside and outside Europe as well as focus on the quality of the infrastructures, long-term value for money and lifecycle costs (rather than price only). With their long-term investment in technology and novel approaches, such as Building with Nature, European Dredgers can provide significant added value to the economy, ecology and society when executing waterborne infrastructure projects and would like to jointly reflect on how to possibly shape requirements on sustainability in public tenders to provide a better level playing field and long-term added value.
Speakers from the European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the Dutch administration will present the points of views of the policy, funding and implementation sides through their respective strategies on sustainable public procurement. After an inspirational closing keynote address by Former European Commissioner for Trade, Mr Karel de Gucht, the floor will be opened for an open discussion.
Programme Overview:
09:30 - 10:00 Registration
10:00 - 12:00 Conference
12:00 - 12:30 Cocktail
12:30 – 13:30 Networking Luncheon
14:00 – 16:00 EuDA Annual General Meeting (for Members only)
10:00 - 12:00 Conference
12:00 - 12:30 Cocktail
12:30 – 13:30 Networking Luncheon
14:00 – 16:00 EuDA Annual General Meeting (for Members only)
Conference Overview:
Moderation:
• Mr Paris Sansoglou
European Dredging Association
Secretary General
European Dredging Association
Secretary General
Speakers:
• Mrs Anna Lupi Presentation
European Commission – DG GROW
Policy Officer in Public Procurement Strategy Unit
European Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable Public Procurement
European Commission – DG GROW
Policy Officer in Public Procurement Strategy Unit
European Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable Public Procurement
• Oshani Perera Presentation
International Institute for Sustainable Development
Director, Public Procurement and Infrastructure Finance Programme
IISD’s Strategy for Sustainable Public Procurement
International Institute for Sustainable Development
Director, Public Procurement and Infrastructure Finance Programme
IISD’s Strategy for Sustainable Public Procurement
• Mr Maarten Neelis Presentation
Rijkswaterstaat (The Netherlands)
Strategic Adviser on Sustainable Habitat
Dutch Strategy for Sustainable Public Procurement
Rijkswaterstaat (The Netherlands)
Strategic Adviser on Sustainable Habitat
Dutch Strategy for Sustainable Public Procurement
Closing Keynote Address:
View the Conference Messages, the Conference Programme in detail
and the Conference Attendance List.
2018 EUDA 25th Anniversary – Annual Conference at Bibliothèque Solvay in Brussels
“THE EUROPEAN DREDGING INDUSTRY ADDING VALUE TO SOCIETY WORLDWIDE”
15 November 2018
This year, the European Dredging Association (“EuDA”) celebrated its 25th Anniversary. The high-level event we organised, took place in the prestigious Bibliothèque Solvay in Brussels, on Thursday 15 November 2018 at 10.00am.
In order to celebrate this important milestone in the lifetime of an Association, EuDA was honoured with the presence of Mrs Maria Asenius, Head of Cabinet of Cecilia Malmström Commissioner for Trade.
Then EuDA gave the floor to high level stakeholders to present their views on some of our most impressive projects.
The conference was followed by a networking cocktail and a festive luncheon.
View the Conference Programme in detail and the Conference Attendance List.
Welcome and Opening:
-
Mr Alan Lievens
EuDA Chairman
Keynote Speech: Keynote Speech
- European Trade Strategy: overview of future perspectives
European Commission
Head of Cabinet to EU Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström
Maria Åsenius
European Dredgers adding Value Worldwide:
-
Moderation: Dr Marc Gramberger, PROSPEX Managing Director
“Short introduction of the conference theme and speakers..
Adding Value to Global Logistics Presentation
-
Presentation of the expansion of the Suez Canal.
European Dredging Association
Paris Sansoglou, Secretary General
Adding Value to Global Environment Presentation
-
Presentation of Building with Nature projects worldwide.
Wetlands International
Mrs Jane Madgwick, CEO
Adding Value to Global Society Presentation
-
Presentation of the Sigma Plan and new perspectives for coastal defences worldwide.
Flemish Waterway NV
Ir Wim Dauwe
Head of Department Maritime Schelde and Sea Canal
2017 EUDA Annual Conference at Stanhope Hotel Brussels
“PROTECTIONISM:
MEDICINE TO A RIGHT ILLNESS OR POISON PILL?”
15 November 2017
The recent rise of populism around the world is often accompanied with the rhetoric that protectionism is the “panacea” that will revive economic growth and create more “national” jobs. By hindering or blocking foreign workers or companies from accessing the domestic market, protectionism offers an apparently comfortable cocoon that provides a temporary relief to the domestic economic issues … but it often proves to be a short-term solution or a short-sighted decision.
Indeed, in the medium- or long-term, the disconnection from global trade and the “protection” from global competitors provide major disincentives for these protected companies and jobs to further develop, invest or innovate. They will be “frozen in time” and while the quality of their products and services will at best stagnate, their processes will progressively grow obsolete and inefficient with regards to the global market. Their costs and prices will rise and cripple their global competitiveness. By freezing these selected sectors, protectionism progressively transforms them into a liability to their national economic partners.
As global free trade champions, Europeans promote free market access and a level playing field worldwide. In the words of Jean-Claude Juncker: “As far as we [Europe] are concerned, there is no protection in protectionism”. Moreover, reciprocal treatment is essential when dealing with global sectors and may prove to be a key part of a healthy strategy to erode and ultimately eliminate protectionism.
The conference opened with a short description of the possible globalisation illness affecting Europe. Then the speakers considered whether protectionism was a medicine to a right illness or poison pill and considered whether realism and reciprocity could lead the way to a globalisation wellness for Europe. Before concluding with an open discussion, selected cases of dredging against protectionism were presented.
View the Conference Programme in detail and the Conference Attendance List.
Opening Address:
-
Mr Alan Lievens
EuDA Chairman
Introduction to the Conference Theme and Speakers by the Conference Moderator:
- Mr Eric Van den Eede, Special Adviser on Waterborne Transport Infrastructure and Chairman of Flanders’ Maritime Cluster
Speakers:
-
Prof. Jonathan Holslag, Professor of International Politics
Free University Brussels (VUB)
presenting “Is there a Globalisation Illness? from Globalisation Illness to Wellness…”. -
Mrs Signe Ratso , Director for Trade Strategy and Analysis Presentation
European Commission – DG Trade
presenting “Protectionism and Realism? Fight against Protectionism and Need for Reciprocity”. -
Mr Paris Sansoglou, Secretary General Presentation
European Dredging Association
presenting “Dredging against Protectionism”.
2016 EuDA Annual Conference, at Stanhope Hotel Brussels
GLOBAL CO2 EMISSIONS:
New Opportunities for the European Dredgers?
15 November 2016
Since the Kyoto Protocol of 1992, the political wheel has been set in motion to prevent the threat from excessive Climate Change. The main attention and efforts have focused on the biggest anthropogenic source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: CO2 emissions. All human activities need energy for their proper functioning and execution. The most commonly available energy sources being of fossil origin, the carbon footprint of human activities have kept growing along with the development of the global society, sometimes at a faster pace.
At the Paris Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the Climate Change Convention in December 2015, politicians agreed, in the now ratified and in force “Paris Agreement”, to set the absolute global target for the rise of the Earth temperature to 1.5°C, and to take differentiated actions at national level and at sector level. Among these sectors, transportation is a significant source of CO2 emissions and has to contribute to the global reduction efforts. Maritime transport is the lifeblood of modern society, supplying energy, food and commodities as well as catalysing global economic development and prosperity. Although shipping is the most environmentally-friendly and energy efficient mode of mass transport (on a tonne-mile basis), it also needs to contribute its share to the global CO2 emissions reduction efforts. As members of the shipping community, European Dredgers continuously work on reducing their emissions, by improving fuel efficiency of their equipment (through ship design, better performing engines, etc.) and by improving their best practices to optimise the fuel consumption during operations.
CO2 emissions reductions however cannot be fully disconnected from global economy nor from global trade. Therefore, the absolute emission targets set in Kyoto or in Paris cannot be achieved with relative measures improving performance and efficiency of vessels unless the global economy and its related demand for waterborne transport are collapsing. In order to achieve absolute targets regardless of the general state of global economy, actions on the improvement of vessels’ efficiency and performance should be complemented with actions targeting directly atmospheric CO2 concentrations. With their expertise, European Dredgers can contribute to this objective by creating new or restoring marine habitats that are natural carbon sinks, known as Blue Carbon. European industries should pursue their efforts of reducing their CO2 footprint but should also consider integrating Blue Carbon components into their strategies. European Dredgers can build multipurpose waterborne infrastructures that would contribute to these CO2 strategies to the project owner’s through increased carbon capture and long term storage of CO2.
The 2016 EuDA Annual Conference opened with an overview of political initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions from ships and or dredgers at IMO, in the EU and in the Netherlands. In the last presentation of the conference, the possible solutions proposed by the European Dredgers were briefly described.
View the Conference Programme in detail and its complementary annexes.
View the Conference Attendance List
For the speakers' presentations see below:
Opening Address
-
Mr Paris Sansoglou
EuDA Secretary General
Moderation:
- Mr Pieter van der KLIS
Engineering Manager, Van Oord
Chairman of EuDA Environment Committee at EUROPEAN DREDGING ASSOCIATION
Speakers:
-
Mr Alistair Hull Presentation
Technical Director of INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF SHIPPING
presenting "Overview of the of IMO’s initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions from ships". -
Mr Heiko Kunst Presentation
Policy Officer in Unit B3 for International Carbon Market, Aviation and Maritime
at EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG CLIMA
presenting "Overview of the of EU’s initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions from ships". -
Mr Harry Zondag Presentation
Strategic Advisor for Dredging Programmes, Projects and Maintenance at RIJKSWATERSTAAT
presenting "Experiences in tendering with the CO2 performance scale in The Netherlands". -
Mr Paris Sansoglou Presentation
Secretary General of the EUROPEAN DREDGING ASSOCIATION
presenting "Possible Solutions from the European Dredgers?".
View the Conference Key Messages
PIANC’s ‘Think Climate’ coalition
UN FCCC COP 21 Paris
30 November-6 December 2015
UN FCCC COP 21
The UN Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted under the ‘Rio Convention’ during the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The UNFCCC which entered into force on 21 March 1994, now has a near-universal membership of 195 parties. The ‘Rio Convention’ set out a framework for action aimed at stabilising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to avoid “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”
The main objective of the annual Conference of Parties (COP) is to review the Convention’s implementation. The first COP took place in Berlin in 1995 and significant meetings since then have included COP3 where the Kyoto Protocol was adopted, COP11 where the Montreal Action Plan was produced, COP15 in Copenhagen where an agreement to success Kyoto Protocol was unfortunately not realised and COP17 in Durban where the Green Climate Fund was created.
In 2015 COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, will, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.
France will play a leading international role in hosting this seminal conference, and COP21 will be one of the largest international conferences ever held in the country. The conference is expected to attract close to 50,000 participants including 25,000 official delegates from government, intergovernmental organisations, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society.
PIANC’s ‘Think Climate’
In this context, PIANC established a ‘Think Climate’ coalition, currently comprising the following international Associations and organisations:
| The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC) |  |
| International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) |  |
| International Harbour Masters’ Association (IHMA) |  |
| International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) |  |
| International Bulk Terminals Association (IBTA) a coalition of the International Dry Bulk Terminals Group and the Coal Export Terminal Operators Association |  |
| European Dredging Association (EuDA) |  |
| Smart Freight Centre (SFC) |  |
The Think Climate coalition partners are collaborating on an initiative entitled NAVIGATING A CHANGING CLIMATE.
The Navigating a Changing Climate initiative has three main themes:
- encouraging owners, operators and users to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with waterborne transport infrastructure, and to shift to low carbon waterborne transport infrastructure and operations, wherever this is practicable and not disproportionately costly
- building adaptation capacity and supporting the owners, operators and users of inland and maritime navigation infrastructure as they strengthen resilience and prepare to adapt to changes in sea level, flooding extent or frequency, flow conditions, storminess, precipitation, temperature, extreme wind or waves or fog amongst others
- encouraging new ways of thinking about waterborne transport infrastructure with an emphasis on Working with Nature and on identifying sustainable, integrated solutions.
The latest version of the Position Paper, which sets out the objectives of the Navigating a Changing Climate initiative and summarises the activities proposed in the Action Plan, can be found here. The detail of the Action Plan can be found here.
More details about the activities of PIANC’s ‘Think Climate’ coalition can be found here.
2015 EuDA Annual General Meeting Conference, at Stanhope Hotel Brussels
'State Aid and Tied Aid'
Different Approaches to Global Competition
17 November 2015
Governments’ interventions in competitive markets impact on the functioning of these markets: they set the general rules of “unhindered and fair competition” and in some cases bend these rules to favour the one or the other national champion. Financial support provided by governments to companies is distorting competition and can take many forms. The conference will focus on two such approaches with opposite objectives and effects on the global dredging markets.
The competitive advantages developed by the European dredging companies to allow them to compete on the global markets and remain leaders in their trade include high added value specialised services, high productivity and high environmental friendliness when delivering resilient waterborne infrastructures. As far as large complex infrastructure projects are concerned, the other worldwide competitors cannot match the level of the European Dredgers’ services in quality and in price. In unbiased and open markets, Europeans have demonstrated their strong dominance with over 80% of the open world markets.
When some non-EU countries decide to bend the rules, they take measures that keep foreign competition off their domestic market and, additionally, they can also provide unfair advantages to their national companies competing outside their domestic market. One of the most commonly used schemes on non-domestic markets is Tied Aid, whereby large amounts of development aid are granted to a targeted country (usually a resource-rich developing country, non-signatory of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement) with the explicit condition of using exclusively the donor’s national contractors for the development works. The consequences are severe distortions in these markets or even temporary closure to any foreign competition (for as long as the donor’s aid lasts).
However, unfair competition practices are like coastal erosion: markets are eroded and lost at a steady pace. Left untackled in the long term, these practices can wear out even the most resilient of companies. This is why Europe has developed counter-schemes aiming at reducing competition distortions on global markets and reinforcing level playing field. One of the financial instruments used by Europeans to reduce distortions on some global markets is the State Aid Guidelines to Maritime Transport, which stopped the deflagging of European vessels and avoided the complete relocation of the maritime industries outside Europe.
The EuDA 2015 AGM Conference opened with an overview of the European State Aid Guidelines to Maritime Transport, selected Tied Aid cases were presented and then possible ways forward for the European Dredgers were looked into.
For the Conference detailed programme: click here.
For the Conference Participants' List: click here.
For the speakers' presentations see below:
Opening Address
-
Mr Marc Stordiau
EuDA Chairman
Moderation:
-
Mr Filip Tuytschaever
Founding Partner CONTRAST – European & Business Law
Speakers:
-
Mr Henrik Mørch
Head of Unit for State Aids to Transport - DG Competition EUROPEAN COMMISSION
presenting "Overview of the State Aid Guidelines to Maritime Transport". -
Mr Ulrich Paetzold
Secretary General of the EUROPEAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FEDERATION - FIEC
presenting "Examples of Threats in Europe". -
Mr Paris Sansoglou
Secretary General of the EUROPEAN DREDGING ASSOCIATION
presenting "Examples of Threats around the World and What’s next for European Dredgers ?".
For the Conference key messages: click here.
ACI’s European Dredging Summit, Antwerp, Belgium
‘Gaining Project Approval, welcoming efficient & environmentally-sensitive Dredging Operations’
Supported by EuDA
7-8 October 2015
Active Communications International (ACI), a leader in conference planning and production, is organising a two day “European Dredging” Summit on 7th – 8th in October 2015 in Antwerp.
Key dredging strategies and environmental aspects for project approval will be discussed by the key industry players who will give in-depth presentations and get involved in the panel discussions with senior Delegates of the Summit’s audience on Topics including:
Key dredging strategies and environmental aspects for project approval will be discussed by the key industry players who will give in-depth presentations and get involved in the panel discussions with senior Delegates of the Summit’s audience on Topics including:
- How Are Recent Regulatory Changes Affecting Dredging Projects?
- Effective Sediment Balance & Waste Management
- Latest Developments & Innovations in Dredging Technologies & Techniques
- Effective Maintenance Dredging
- Strategies for Trade-Type Dredging Projects
- Qualified Human Resources Training & Development
- Economic Outlook of the Future Dredging Projects (Europe, Global)
- Project Financing & Budget Management
The Summit's Speakers will provide a global analysis of dredging projects, environmental regulation and essential recommendations for dredging activity including equipment and contractor selection. ACI’s European Dredging Summit will allow you to learn and understand successful case studies, along with exploring the latest technology advancements.
The Summit is mainly targeting the senior management of companies and administrations based in Europe and involved in projects taking place in Europe and across the globe. ACI, benefitting from a thorough research on the topic and market, will bring together the right companies and the best professionals to share their “job story”, amongst Port Authorities, Harbour Masters, Port Managers, Bulk Terminals Managers, Project Owners, Local Authorities, Government Officials, Environmental Managers, Approvals Managers, Marine Engineers, Geotechnical Engineers, Infrastructure Managers, Operations Managers, Port Engineers, Hydrographic Surveyors/ Geologists, Civil/ Environmental Engineers, Consulting Engineers, Dredging Contractors, Dredging Technology Providers, Dredging Managers, Civil/Dredging Managers & Engineers. They will attend to this interactive conference in order to build strong relationships, maintain competitive advantage in the marketplace and discuss with key industry leaders who will share their insights and real-life working experiences with the audience.
The Summit is mainly targeting the senior management of companies and administrations based in Europe and involved in projects taking place in Europe and across the globe. ACI, benefitting from a thorough research on the topic and market, will bring together the right companies and the best professionals to share their “job story”, amongst Port Authorities, Harbour Masters, Port Managers, Bulk Terminals Managers, Project Owners, Local Authorities, Government Officials, Environmental Managers, Approvals Managers, Marine Engineers, Geotechnical Engineers, Infrastructure Managers, Operations Managers, Port Engineers, Hydrographic Surveyors/ Geologists, Civil/ Environmental Engineers, Consulting Engineers, Dredging Contractors, Dredging Technology Providers, Dredging Managers, Civil/Dredging Managers & Engineers. They will attend to this interactive conference in order to build strong relationships, maintain competitive advantage in the marketplace and discuss with key industry leaders who will share their insights and real-life working experiences with the audience.
EuDA is a supporting organisation and as such will provide Speakers and promote of the event.
Join us in Antwerp to exchange your point of view with your peers and engage in excellent networking opportunities !
Join us in Antwerp to exchange your point of view with your peers and engage in excellent networking opportunities !
Exclusive Site Visit
APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, DEME Headquarters, Antwerp City Hall
6 October 2015
During the afternoon of 6th October 2015 up to 30 conference attendees will receive a unique opportunity to participate in the above mentioned site visit.
There is no extra charge to attend the site visit, but spaces are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. Please register your attendance for the site visit when booking for the conference.
There is no extra charge to attend the site visit, but spaces are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. Please register your attendance for the site visit when booking for the conference.
EuDA members are entitled to a special discount on registration (Contact EuDA Secretariat: +322/6468183).
Event’s website: click here. Latest agenda: click here.
Event’s website: click here. Latest agenda: click here.
|
For further information or to register your attendance please contact:
Ms Mado Lampropoulou Marketing Department, ACI T: + 44 (0) 203 141 0607 E: MLampropoulou@acieu.net |
For further information on commercial & sponsorship opportunities please contact:
Ms Kristina Mayar Marketing Department, ACI T: + 44 (0) 203 141 0628 E: kmayar@acieu.net |
We welcome you to join our leading experts at Europe’s cutting edge “European Dredging” Summit!
EuDA-CEDA joint Workshop at European Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
‘Sustainable Dredging Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation’
Solutions from the European Dredging Community
12 May 2015
In today’s policy discussions, Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) is about controlling the consequences of the rising temperature of the Earth due to excessive anthropogenic emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the atmosphere. CCA strategies aim at mitigating the climate change consequences on vulnerable areas and building up their resilience.
The main threats from climate change include sea level rise, increased temperature of the seawater surface, changes in (seasonal) precipitation and hence river flow, increased frequency of extreme events (floods, draughts, storms, surges), … there are some certainties in which direction the challenges go but there are also uncertainties on how to deal with those. Uncertainty can be reduced by building new knowledge and by developing new ‘adaptable’ approaches, such as adaptive management and monitoring.
With 80% of the largest population centres located along the coasts, the potential for climate change related (natural) disasters is significant on both human populations and marine, estuarine and fluvial ecosystems. The need for action to protect vulnerable areas and increase their resilience is real and urgent: first the planning, then its execution.
Dredging knowledge, technology and know-how are indispensable instruments that and offer varied solutions for the adaptation to climate change in vulnerable coastal and inland areas. For instance, dredging know-how contributed greatly to the design and construction of the ‘10,000 year storm’ defences for the port of Rotterdam. Other examples include the beach parks Køge Bay and Amager in Denmark which combine flood protection with ‘engineered nature’ in the form of lagoons, and high quality artificial beaches. Sustainable approaches and philosophies such as “Working with Nature” and ‘Building with Nature’, which aim at harnessing the forces of nature, both in physical and biological terms, are increasingly integrated into project design and execution offering innovative, sustainable solutions.
The joint EuDA-CEDA workshop presented and discussed the views of academics, policy makers and practitioners on sustainable concepts and examples for planning and executing of CCA projects in coastal, estuarine and fluvial systems to transform the threats from climate change into opportunities for humans and nature.
For the Workshop detailed programme: click here.
For the speakers' presentations see below:
Welcome and Introduction to the Workshop & Programme Overview
-
Workshop Chairman
Mr Polite Laboyrie, CEDA Chairman
Setting the scene:
Academic point of view: CCA Challenges, possible Impacts and Implications for the Dredgers
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Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kropp, PIK
presenting "Setting the frame: sustainable dredging and climate change".
European Commission’s point of view: European Strategy, Policies and Actions
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Mrs Birgit De Boissezon, HoU Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (DG RTD)
presenting "Adaptation, preparing for a changing climate".
Project owners
National Government point of view: National Strategy, Policies and Actions
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Mr Pieter de Boer, Rijkswaterstaat (RWS)
presenting "CCA, Dutch national strategy, policies and actions".
Ports point of view: Corporate Strategy and Actions
-
Mr Vincent Malfère, Port of Le Havre
presenting "CCA, the case of Port of Le Havre".
Contractors
Dredgers’ point of view: Existing Solutions and Example Cases
-
Mr Bernard Malherbe, JDN, and Mr Paris Sansoglou, EuDA
presenting "The Dredging Contractors’ Point of View on Sustainable Dredging Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation".
Innovations improving Maritime Safety, at Port of Zeebrugge
5 March 2015
At the initiative of the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA), shipowners and shipping industry leaders have joined forces and organised the first European Shipping Week (ESW) from 2nd to 6th March 2015.(for a complete overview of the week's events and additional information: click here.). Centred around a Flagship conference, Europe's main shipping organisations as well as the European Commission organised a series of high level events bringing together the major players in the shipping industry to promote the strengths and the importance of European and global shipping to legislators in Brussels such as the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
As shipping is of strategic importance to the EU economy, so is its safety. Maritime safety policy and related legislations promote high-quality standards and aim at increasing the protection of both human lives (e.g. passengers and crews) and the environment (reduce risks of pollution).
As shipping is of strategic importance to the EU economy, so is its safety. Maritime safety policy and related legislations promote high-quality standards and aim at increasing the protection of both human lives (e.g. passengers and crews) and the environment (reduce risks of pollution).
Seminar and Technical Visit
As a member of the ESW Steering Group, the European Dredging Association (EuDA) organised on 5th March 2015 a seminar on 'Innovations improving Maritime Safety ' followed by a technical visit illustrating some aspects the technological solutions offered by the dredgers. Opened by a Welcome Address by Mr Joachim Coens and an Opening Address by Mr Markku Mylly, EMSA Executive Director, the Maritime Safety aspect on which the seminar focused was the 'safe place of refuge'.
As a member of the ESW Steering Group, the European Dredging Association (EuDA) organised on 5th March 2015 a seminar on 'Innovations improving Maritime Safety ' followed by a technical visit illustrating some aspects the technological solutions offered by the dredgers. Opened by a Welcome Address by Mr Joachim Coens and an Opening Address by Mr Markku Mylly, EMSA Executive Director, the Maritime Safety aspect on which the seminar focused was the 'safe place of refuge'.
Indeed, during the seminar, EuDA presented specifically designed artificial islands using hydraulic engineering or naval architecture, combining sand and rock or metal, which could be used, amongst other purposes, as innovative solutions for safe places of refuge for sea vessels. The seminar briefly touched on the feasibility of building a kind of safety belt around European Waters but concluded on the potentially significant contribution to Blue Growth in and outside Europe. Ms Barbara Sellier, Policy Officer and EMSA Liaison for the Unit in charge of Maritime Safety, concluded the seminar and gave the closing address.
EuDA members strongly believe that the growth potential for the dredging industry in Europe and worldwide lies in the design, construction and maintenance of sustainable multipurpose maritime infrastructures: using, instead of fighting, the forces (physical and biological) of nature to build multipurpose maritime infrastructures providing services beneficial to the environment, the society and/or the economy.
The rising of the level of the oceans will also automatically generate the need of protecting vulnerable coastal areas. The coasts of the world have to be protected from erosion, from floods, from storms and raising sea level. Renewable offshore energy from wind, from tidal forces or from waves, are becoming also an ever increasing playfield for the dredging industry.
The future of the dredging industry lies in the sea and the growing world population will have to integrate the sea in its daily life.
The future of the dredging industry lies in the sea and the growing world population will have to integrate the sea in its daily life.
For the short introduction to dredging presented during the technical visit: click here.
For the seminar's overview and key messages: click here.
For the Participants' List: click here.
For the speakers' presentations see below:
Welcome Address
-
Mr Joachim Coens
Managing Director of the Port Authority Bruges-Zeebrugge
Opening Address
-
Mr Markku Mylly
EMSA Executive Director (European Maritime Safety Agency)
Moderation:
-
Mr John Richardson
FIPRA International Special Adviser on Maritime Affairs, moderating the conference.
Speakers:
-
Mr Bernard Malherbe
JDN, Project Manager of Flanders Bays 2100
presenting "Integrated Coastal Zone & Coastal Seas Management: Views and Pleas by Dredging Contractors". -
Mr Frank Verschraegen
DEME, Project Leader of iLand
presenting "Energy Islands". -
Mr Francois Duthoit
DCNS, Chairman of the Waterborne WG on Blue Growth
presenting "Scalable Modular Large Scale Floating Offshore Platforms". -
Mr Paris Sansoglou
EuDA Secretary General
presenting "Possible sources of financing for artificial 'safety' islands".
Closing Address:
-
Ms Barbara Sellier
Policy Officer at the European Commission's Unit on Maritime Safety (DG MOVE)
2014 EuDA Annual General Meeting Conference, at Stanhope Hotel Brussels
'Breaking Trade Barriers Around The World'
Special focus on the World Dredging Markets
13 November 2014
Trade in History
Trade is an essential part of human activities since prehistoric times. With the exchanges of products, services and knowledge inherent to its nature, trade contributed to economic as well as to scientific and cultural development of the human societies around the world and helped them transform into today's globalised human society.
Trade is an essential part of human activities since prehistoric times. With the exchanges of products, services and knowledge inherent to its nature, trade contributed to economic as well as to scientific and cultural development of the human societies around the world and helped them transform into today's globalised human society.
Trade and Transport
Trade development is inseparable from transport. Transport technology and infrastructures helped establish, maintain and develop the trade flows. Thanks to international shipping, the links between the trade network nodes have been further multiplied and expanded from local, to regional, to international and now global with the port networks connecting their multimodal logistics chains.
Trade development is inseparable from transport. Transport technology and infrastructures helped establish, maintain and develop the trade flows. Thanks to international shipping, the links between the trade network nodes have been further multiplied and expanded from local, to regional, to international and now global with the port networks connecting their multimodal logistics chains.
Trade vs local Industries
Along with the trade routes, systems and measures were quickly invented to capture some of the wealth and opportunities of the passing merchants. Not long after trade started, Trade Barriers were also raised to protect the local industries from foreign competition. However, the protection of local industries produces in the long term negative side effects that can overall counterbalance the initial short term benefits.
Along with the trade routes, systems and measures were quickly invented to capture some of the wealth and opportunities of the passing merchants. Not long after trade started, Trade Barriers were also raised to protect the local industries from foreign competition. However, the protection of local industries produces in the long term negative side effects that can overall counterbalance the initial short term benefits.
Trade Barriers to Dredging
In the worldwide dredging markets, many types of Trade Barriers have been put in place to restrict or to exclude foreign competition. At best, European Dredgers are prevented from delivering the full extent of their added value and, at worst, they are prevented from accessing closed markets.
In the worldwide dredging markets, many types of Trade Barriers have been put in place to restrict or to exclude foreign competition. At best, European Dredgers are prevented from delivering the full extent of their added value and, at worst, they are prevented from accessing closed markets.
Trade Barriers & Countermeasures
With the development of trade, Trade Barriers were further refined and, along with the tariff and non-tariff barriers, came their antidotes with the 'panacea' being the free trade agreements. Following the recent failure of the 'multilateral' negotiations of the WTO Doha Round, the direct 'bilateral' Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between economic zones have been reactivated.
With the development of trade, Trade Barriers were further refined and, along with the tariff and non-tariff barriers, came their antidotes with the 'panacea' being the free trade agreements. Following the recent failure of the 'multilateral' negotiations of the WTO Doha Round, the direct 'bilateral' Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between economic zones have been reactivated.
Breaking Trade Barriers around the World
The EuDA Conference opened with an overview of Trade Barriers around the world and look into the way trade negotiations can manage to lift some of them with the recent example of Canada and US. The Conference concluded on the possible ways forward for the European Dredgers.
The EuDA Conference opened with an overview of Trade Barriers around the world and look into the way trade negotiations can manage to lift some of them with the recent example of Canada and US. The Conference concluded on the possible ways forward for the European Dredgers.
For the Conference detailed programme: click here.
For the Conference Participants' List: click here.
For the speakers' presentations see below:
Opening Address
-
Mr Marc Stordiau
EuDA Chairman
Moderation:
-
Mr Paris Sansoglou
EuDA Secretary General, moderating the conference.
Speakers:
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Mrs Luisa Santos
BUSINESSEUROPE Director of the Department for International Relations
presenting "Overview of the main Trade Barriers around the World". -
Marco Düerkop
European Commission, DG TRADE Deputy Head of Unit for Trade in Services, Lead TTIP Negotiator for Services
presenting "EU Trade Negotiations with Canada and USA". -
Mr Andrew Durant
SAMUELS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATES Managing Director
presenting "Possible ways for European Dredgers to enter the US Market".
For the Conference key messages: click here.
EuDA 20th Anniversary Celebration, at Bibliothèque Solvay
'The European Dredging Industry: A Maritime Success Story'
7 November 2013
For the past 20 years, European Dredgers have built up momentum and increased their strength and resilience as individual companies but also as a united and reputable sector organisation.
The Challenges of the Sea
Thanks to maritime transport, the main vector for globalisation, the world has become an ever closely connected place. As a consequence, more and more economical and social activities take place and further develop along the coasts.
The European Dredgers were very quickly faced with challenges such as increasing demand for space and resources (including offshore energy and marine aggregates) in the context of the increasing need to protect our environment. Thanks to a long term cooperation with universities and hydraulic labs and also to continuous investment in advanced and high tech equipment, the European Dredgers have developed innovative solutions and new approaches, integrating nature (both physical and ecological aspects) already at the design phase.
Thanks to maritime transport, the main vector for globalisation, the world has become an ever closely connected place. As a consequence, more and more economical and social activities take place and further develop along the coasts.
The European Dredgers were very quickly faced with challenges such as increasing demand for space and resources (including offshore energy and marine aggregates) in the context of the increasing need to protect our environment. Thanks to a long term cooperation with universities and hydraulic labs and also to continuous investment in advanced and high tech equipment, the European Dredgers have developed innovative solutions and new approaches, integrating nature (both physical and ecological aspects) already at the design phase.
From "Mud Pushers" to World Leaders
After 20 years, the European Dredgers are no longer known as the "mud pushers" but as the well respected world leaders in a diversified industry segment of high strategic and economic importance. Their knowledge and capacity have allowed the European Dredgers to tackle innovatively many of the world's new challenges, including the modernisation of ports and their adaptation to the new reality of seaborne trade, the protection and adaptation of coasts to climate change, the procurement of diverse services to the offshore infrastructures.
In its own way, the dredging industry is also a vector of globalisation.
After 20 years, the European Dredgers are no longer known as the "mud pushers" but as the well respected world leaders in a diversified industry segment of high strategic and economic importance. Their knowledge and capacity have allowed the European Dredgers to tackle innovatively many of the world's new challenges, including the modernisation of ports and their adaptation to the new reality of seaborne trade, the protection and adaptation of coasts to climate change, the procurement of diverse services to the offshore infrastructures.
In its own way, the dredging industry is also a vector of globalisation.
The Influence of Europe
With the increasing impact of European legislation and policies on their business, European Dredgers decided to join forces and established in December 1993 the European Dredging Association (EuDA). Since then, EuDA has grown into a reliable and reputable European maritime association, shaping European legislation and policies, focusing on transport, environmental, social or trade issues, as well as international, essentially at IMO and ILO.
In order to celebrate in style this important milestone in the life of an association, EuDA has the honour of having a keynote address by Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Transport & Mobility, Mr Siim Kallas. He will be followed by eminent speakers presenting the innovative projects by European dredgers around the world.
With the increasing impact of European legislation and policies on their business, European Dredgers decided to join forces and established in December 1993 the European Dredging Association (EuDA). Since then, EuDA has grown into a reliable and reputable European maritime association, shaping European legislation and policies, focusing on transport, environmental, social or trade issues, as well as international, essentially at IMO and ILO.
In order to celebrate in style this important milestone in the life of an association, EuDA has the honour of having a keynote address by Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Transport & Mobility, Mr Siim Kallas. He will be followed by eminent speakers presenting the innovative projects by European dredgers around the world.
For the Conference detailed programme: click here.
For the Conference Participants' List: click here.
For the speakers' presentations see below:
Opening Address
-
Mr Marc Stordiau
EuDA Chairman
Keynote Address: click here
-
Vice-President Siim Kallas
Commissioner for Transport and Mobility
Moderation:
-
Mr John Richardson
FIPRA, moderating the conference.
European Dredgers, innovating worldwide:
Europe
-
Mr René van der Plas
Port of Rotterdam, Managing Director of Maasvlakte 2 Project
presenting "Maasvlakte (1) vs Maasvlakte 2, from rocks to sand".
Americas
-
Mr Rogelio Gordon
Panama Canal Authority, Executive, Manager Dredging Division, Dept. Operations
presenting "Panama Canal Expansion".
Oceania
-
Gerard van Raalte
Royal Boskalis Westminster, Hydronamic, Senior Expert
presenting "Port of Melbourne's expansion".
Asia
-
Stijn Kenis
DEME, Project Manager of SARB Energy Islands in Abu Dhabi
presenting "Artificial islands as alternatives to offshore rigs in Abu Dhabi". -
Peter De Pooter
Jan De Nul, Project Director for the Manifa Field Causeway and Islands in Saudi Arabia
presenting "Artificial islands as alternatives to offshore rigs in Saudi Arabia".
EuDA Annual General Meeting Conference, at Stanhope Hotel
'Measures to reduce CO2 Emissions from Shipping'
Review of current Legislation & Policies
14 November 2012
In the global transport logistical chains, maritime transport plays a critical role: around 90% of Europe's international trade and 40% of the intra-EU trade is done through maritime transport. Maritime transport is a catalyst of economic development and prosperity, ensuring security of supply of energy, food and commodities.
One of the reasons for such a success is that Maritime shipping is the most environmentally-friendly and energy efficient mode of mass transport (on a tonne-mile basis). Indeed, while moving a considerable part of world trade, shipping is only a modest contributor to the total global CO2 emissions (currently around 3.3%).
In view of the pressures to reduce global greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, in particular CO2 emissions, the shipping sector has been preparing to make its contribution. Reducing CO2 emissions from shipping can be achieved through technical solutions (e.g. improving fuel efficiency through more energy efficient ship designs, better performing engines, etc.) and operational solutions (improving the best practices and optimising the fuel consumption en route) combined (or not) with market incentives.
The conference's speakers presented an overview of the current international and European legislation on CO2 reduction, highlighting the technical and operational measures already put in place by IMO. Global industries, such as shipping, need global legislation to guarantee fair competition. Among the international legislative (UN) bodies, IMO is the best suited forum to legislate on CO2 emissions from shipping. However, EU policies have a key role to play in reducing CO2 emissions. Then they presented the concrete example of the airline industry and the lessons learned so far. The conference highlighted the key aspects for dredging vessels and concluded with the views of the European Dredgers.
For the Conference detailed programme: click here.
For the speakers' presentations see below:
Moderation:
-
Mr Paris Sansoglou
EuDA Secretary General, moderating the conference.
Setting the Scene:
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Mr Alistair Hull
Technical Manager at the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), presenting the International legislation on shipping CO2 emissions.
Review of Current Legislation & Policies:
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Mr Niels Ladefoged
European Commission, Cabinet Member of Commissioner Connie Hedegaard in charge of Carbon Markets, presenting the European Policy on CO2 emissions and the Case of Emissions Trading Scheme of the Airline industry. -
Mr Wouter Dirks
Chairman of the EuDA CO2 Working Group, Tender Manager at Van Oord, presenting the Specific Situation of the Dredgers and Position on Market Based Measures.
EuDA Annual General Meeting Open-Part, at Sheraton Brussels Airport
'Threats and Opportunities from the Sea'
European Dredgers' contribution to some of the World's biggest Challenges
16 November 2011
Sea-Level Rise, threat of Natural Disasters, such as earthquakes, and further exploitation of Ocean Energy Sources are among the most important topics on the political agendas in Europe and around the world.
While most efforts are concentrating on the prevention of the causes of Climate Change, mainly on the anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gas emissions, little debate and attention is given to the adaptation to Sea-Level Rise.
Adding to this, our coasts can also be threatened by Natural Disasters, which can strike without warning.
What can the European Dredgers do to prevent or reduce the damaging effects of such events?
And what can they do after their occurrence?
Adding to this, our coasts can also be threatened by Natural Disasters, which can strike without warning.
What can the European Dredgers do to prevent or reduce the damaging effects of such events?
And what can they do after their occurrence?
Along with the reflection on how to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, the political debates on the international scene also focus on how to reduce fossil fuel dependence and on the search for sustainable alternative sources of energy.
Although covering the majority of the Earth's surface, the oceans host some of the most promising, often renewable, and largely underexploited energy sources.
Which are the possibilities of cooperation and project development between the European Dredgers and the ocean energy exploitation?
Although covering the majority of the Earth's surface, the oceans host some of the most promising, often renewable, and largely underexploited energy sources.
Which are the possibilities of cooperation and project development between the European Dredgers and the ocean energy exploitation?
After setting the scene, this conference will focus on the possible solutions the European Dredgers can offer to prevent or mitigate threats from the sea as well as to seize its opportunities.
The Open Part will have presentations on the Threats from the Sea by:
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Dr Ida Brøker
DHI, Head of department, Coastal & Estuarine Dynamics, presenting the threat of sea level rise on the coastal zones of North of Europe. -
Dr Erik Van Wellen
DEME, EuDA Environment & CO2 expert, presenting the threat of natural disasters on the coastal zones and dredging.
As well as presentations on the Opportunities from the Sea:
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Dr Karl Christian Strømsem
European Ocean Energy Association Director, presenting the opportunities to exploit renewable energy from the sea. -
Hendrik Postma
General Manager, Dredging Dep. & Hydrodynamic at Boskalis, wrapping up and presenting the dredging know how and experience with these key global challenges.
Belgian Presidency Event with EuDA
'The European Dredging Industry presented to the European Council Shipping Working Group',
Aalst (BE) & Heusden (NL).
15 December 2010
At the occasion of the Belgian Presidency of the EU the Shipping Working Group of the European Council was introduced to the (European) Dredging Industry, the Belgian Dredging Federation and EuDA.
The Group was then given a guided tour of the installations of Jan De Nul in Aalst and participated to the ship launch of DEME's Victor Horta.
The Group was then given a guided tour of the installations of Jan De Nul in Aalst and participated to the ship launch of DEME's Victor Horta.
- Event Programme
- Participants' List
-
10.00
- Welcome by Géry Vandewalle, JDN
- Introduction to dredging by Philippe Matheï, Belgian Dredging Federation
- Short Films from JDN & DEME
- Messages from the dredgers to Europe by Paris Sansoglou, EuDA
- Visit of the JDN premises
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15.00
- Launch of Victor Horta
EuDA would like to thank Jan De Nul and DEME for their kind support and sponsoring of the event.
EuDA Annual General Meeting Open-Part, at Sheraton Brussels Airport
"Man & Nature" Key Sustainable Issues for the European Dredgers
16 November 2010
Sustainable Development is the 'development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs' ¹.
This translates into development strategies that support and respect the economy, the society and the environment.
This translates into development strategies that support and respect the economy, the society and the environment.
Note: ¹ UN Brundtland Report in 1987
The theme for 2010's Open Part of our Annual General Meeting is 'Man and Nature' and will elaborate on two of the pillars for the sustainability of dredging operations: the human and the environmental aspects. This also coincides with 2010 being declared "IMO year of the Seafarers" and "UN year of Biodiversity".
With regards to the social aspects and more particularly the working conditions onboard ships, the 'Maritime Labour Convention' will be presented along with some of its possible consequences for the dredgers.
Concerning the environmental aspects, two specific initiatives implementing the concept of 'Building with Nature' will be presented: ECOSHAPE in the Netherlands and 'Vlaamse Baaien 2100' in Belgium.
EuDA will present the conclusions of its workshop on 'Green Innovations keep the European Dredgers at Global Leading Edge' and the European dredgers' perspective on 'Building with Nature'.
Moderated by
- John Richardson
(former head of the European Maritime Policy Task Force),
the Open Part will have presentations on the social aspects by:
- Natalie Shaw
ISF Director of Employment Affairs, presenting the MLC, its process and the issues for the shipowners. - Henry Bleker
EuDA Social Committee, presenting the issues for the dredgers and the findings of the EuDA Survey.
as well as presentations on the environmental aspects by:
- Huib de Vriend
Building with Nature Programme Director, presenting ECOSHAPE. - Bart Verboomen
Vlaamse Baaien 2100 Board member, presenting Vlaamse Baaien 2100. - Eugen Jansen
Chairman Environment Committee, presenting the conclusions of EuDA's Workshop on "Green Innovations keep the European Dredgers at Global Leading Edge".
Workshop on Green Innovations keep the European Dredgers at global leading edge,
Brussels, Silken Hotel.
3 November 2010
This one-day workshop was organised by EuDA to gather the views of the European Commission and the different stakeholders on the subject of the European Dredgers' initiatives stimulating "Green Innovations".
From its traditional image in the public, European dredging has evolved in the last decades into the key activity in new land and waterways creation, in protecting and strengthening of sandy coastal areas and in maintaining the depth of waterways with relatively clean bottoms. As more and more clients and stakeholders consider sustainable development as increasingly important, environmental and ecological aspects of dredging activities have become strategic issues of paramount importance to keep a leading edge over foreign competitors. European dredging companies are therefore taking the lead in behaving responsibly and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable (marine) environment.
The workshop ambitions to provide useful insight to the following questions:
- How to economically apply the ecosystem's approach in marine coastal management?
- How can forces of nature be put to use in shaping coastal structures and works?
- Can industry create a win-win-win situation with positive economical, societal and environmental impacts?.
- EuDA Workshop Programme
-
Speakers' presentations :
Workshop overall presentation- EuDA Environment Committee: Mr Eugen Jansen,
"Green Innovations keep the European Dredgers at global leading edge"
Setting the scene- Antwerp University: Prof. Patrick Meire, "Ecosystems in marine environments"
- European Commission: Mrs Birgit Snoeren, DG Environment, "EU environmental policy context marine and coastal areas"
Integrated Coastal Zone Management:- THE NETHERLANDS: Mr Stefan Aarninkhof, ECOSHAPE, "Building with Nature: Motivation - Concept - Program"
- BELGIUM: Mr Bart Verboomen, Vlaamse Baaien 2100, "Flanders Bays Safe, natural, attractive, sustainable, developing"
Example Cases of Innovations in Dredging Operations:- Port of Rotterdam: Mr Tiedo Vellinga, "MAASVLAKTE 2 Monitoring and Evaluation"
- BMAPA: Mr Mark Russell
MALSF: Mr Richard Newell, "Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (MALSF), Green Innovations"
- EuDA Environment Committee: Mr Eugen Jansen,
Workshop on Dredged Material and the Implementation of the new EU Waste Directive,
Brussels, EuDA offices.
29 April 2010
This one-day workshop was jointly organised by CEDA, EuDA and ESPO.
The aim was gathering the views of the European Commission, the Member States and the different stakeholders on the subject of EU Waste Directive with reference to dredged material.
More specifically the workshop ambitions were to exchange best practices and knowledge on the subject of ecotoxicity (H14) for which guidance is not expected before the end of 2011.
The aim was gathering the views of the European Commission, the Member States and the different stakeholders on the subject of EU Waste Directive with reference to dredged material.
More specifically the workshop ambitions were to exchange best practices and knowledge on the subject of ecotoxicity (H14) for which guidance is not expected before the end of 2011.
- CEDA, EuDA & ESPO Workshop Programme
-
Speakers' presentations :
Setting the scene- EUROPEAN COMMISSION: Mr. Gunther Wolff, D.-G. Environment, "The Waste Framework Directive and the list of Waste"
- Additional EuDA background information: "The new Waste Framework Directive Philosophy"
Best practices in EU Members States:- BELGIUM: Mr. Frederik Roose, Ministry of Flemish Community, "Common practice on DM management in Belgium"
- GERMANY: Mr. Axel Netzband, Hamburg Port Authority, "Dredged Material and Waste, the German perspective"
-
UNITED-KINGDOM:
Mr. Chris Vivian, CEFAS, "Dredged Material Assessment in England and Wales"
Mr. Paul Beckwith, British Waterways and Mr. Phil Studds, Ramboll, "Classification of British Waterways Dredged Material" -
THE NETHERLANDS:
Mr. Pieter de Boer, Ministry of Transport, Public Works & Water Manangement "Legislation and dredged material in the Netherlands"
Mr. Cor Schipper, Deltares, "Assessment of effects of chemical contaminants in dredged material on marine ecosystems and human health"
Sediment issues:- Mr. Axel Netzband, SedNet, "Sediments in European River Basin Management Plans"
- Quick Questionnaire:
- Minutes of the Workshop on Dredged Material and the Implementation of the new EU Waste Directive
EuDA Annual General Assembly : Future Developments concerning State Aid to EU Maritime Transport, in the light of the rising threat from China
2009
The current European Commission Guidelines on State Aid to Maritime Transport date from January 2004 and should be revised within 7 years of publication (2011).
In the context of the current global financial and economic crisis, China’s approach to international trade (including its financing practices) is often distorting competition and creating unfair advantages in the field of dredging works in Africa and South America.
The key actors from the Commission as well as Business Europe’s specialist on China will make presentations on these issues.
A panel discussion moderated by Prof. dr. Filip Tuytschaever, Lawyer specialised in European & Business Law, will take place and conclude the open part.
In the context of the current global financial and economic crisis, China’s approach to international trade (including its financing practices) is often distorting competition and creating unfair advantages in the field of dredging works in Africa and South America.
The key actors from the Commission as well as Business Europe’s specialist on China will make presentations on these issues.
A panel discussion moderated by Prof. dr. Filip Tuytschaever, Lawyer specialised in European & Business Law, will take place and conclude the open part.
- EuDA AGM Open-Part Programme "Future developments concerning State Aid to EU Maritime Transport, in the light of the rising threat from China"
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Keynote speakers’ presentations:
-
Mr. Dimitrios THEOLOGITIS, Head of Unit for Maritime transport & Ports policy; Maritime Security - DG Energy & Transport, European Commission
"Next revision of the Guidelines on State Aid to EU Maritime Transport" -
Mr. Mihail MILEV, Case Handler for State Aid to Maritime Transport, Unit for “Internal Market and Competition” – DG Energy & Transport, European Commission
"The 2004 Guidelines on State aid to Maritime Transport and their recent application by the Commission" -
Mr. Carsten DANNHOL, Senior Adviser on International Relations, specialist of China – BusinessEurope
"The EU-China relations"
-
Mr. Dimitrios THEOLOGITIS, Head of Unit for Maritime transport & Ports policy; Maritime Security - DG Energy & Transport, European Commission
-
Mr. Marc STORDIAU, Chairman, European Dredging Association
"Reflection points, trade issues with China and impact of the Guidelines on Dredging Fleet" -
Mr. Paris SANSOGLOU, Secretary General, European Dredging Association
"The European Dredging Industry, a maritime success story"
The 32nd IADC International Seminar on Dredging and Reclamation will take place,
in Delft, the Netherlands
15 -19 June 2009
For (future) decision makers and their advisors in governments, port and harbour authorities, off-shore companies and other organisations involved with dredging projects, the International Association of Dredging Companies in co-operation with UNESCO-IHE is organising its well-respected International Seminar on Dredging and Reclamation at UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands in June 2009.
EuDA Workshop 'Emissions' Presentations, Brussels, Belgium
6 November 2008
- Programme Workshop
- List of Participants
- ISF Presentation nr 1, David Tongue
- ISF Presentation nr 2, David Tongue
- INTEREL Cabinet Stewart, Erik Mink
- ESPO, Herwig Ranner
- EUROPIA, Chris Beddoes
- WÄRTSILÄ, Paolo Tremuli
- D.-G. Environment - European Commission, Mark Major
- EuDA Environment Committee, Wouter Dirks - Presentation at the AGM Open Part
30th International Seminar on Dredging and Reclamation, Delft, The Netherlands
16 - 20 June 2008
Black Sea Coastal Association Varna, Bulgaria
25 - 27 September 2007
Seminar on Ports and Habitats
20 March 2003
The papers on the seminar have been published on the PIANC website www.pianc-aipcn.org/seminar
Workshop "Waterways of Tomorrow"
09 December 2003
On 9 December 2003 a workshop on the "Waterways of Tomorrow" took place at the European Parliament in Brussels.
To read the different papers, please clic here below :
- Conclusions By Mr. J. Dhaene, MEP
Ecological aspects of waterways
-
Working with Nature
By Mr. W. van Gils, Bond Beter Leefmilieu -
Integrated water management
By Mr. J. Bal, Waterways & Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Flemish Community -
Sustainable development of waterways
By Mr. H. Blöch, EC, DG Environment
The Danube, a vital corridor
-
Navigability between Straubing and Vilshofen
By Mr. H.H. Witte, Bundessanstalt für Wasserbau -
How to respect the water environment
By Mr. U. Eichelmann, World Wildlife Fund -
A pan-European corridor
By Mr. Z. Kazatsay, Secretary of State, Hungary
Linking France to the European waterway network
-
Ecological protection of rivers and canals
By Mr. B. Deleu, Voies Navigables de France -
Nature protection and navigation
By Mr. E. Vivier, France Nature Environnement -
A European look at network integration
By Mr. E. Thielmann, EC, DG TREN