With the world’s urban population currently at 3.7 billion people, the demand for living space is skyrocketing. By 2050, this number is expected to double, leading us to wonder how we will accommodate this surge. For the first time in history, more than half the global population resides in cities. This urban migration has profound implications for food, water, and energy consumption. It’s also driving a mass exodus from interior regions to coastal areas, necessitating the expansion of cities and ports towards the water.
Enter Van Oord, a company that specializes in creating new land through dredging. This process involves excavating sand from the seabed to create reclaimed land, which can be used for various purposes such as ports, industrial estates, nature reserves, and even housing and tourism developments. Van Oord’s most famous project is the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, a palm-shaped artificial island recognized worldwide. This megaproject was Van Oord’s first major showpiece in Dubai, setting the stage for numerous coastline developments, including the Dubai Harbour Masterplan.
Land reclamation is an ideal solution for ports and industrial areas that need additional space. Van Oord has completed port expansion projects across the globe, from Costa Rica to Taiwan. One notable project is the large-scale extension of Rotterdam’s port, Maasvlakte 2, completed in 2013. This project exemplifies how reclaimed land can meet the growing demands of industrial and port activities.
Van Oord’s expertise extends beyond mere dredging. The company utilizes advanced soil improvement technologies through its subsidiary, Wicks. Wicks employs methods like vertical drainage, horizontal deep drainage, and soil compaction to prepare reclaimed land for construction. These techniques ensure that the newly created land is stable and ready to support buildings and infrastructure.
One of the most impressive aspects of land reclamation is its potential to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. As more people move to cities, the need for efficient and sustainable living spaces becomes increasingly critical. By expanding cities towards the water, Van Oord helps mitigate the pressure on existing urban areas, providing much-needed space for housing, industry, and recreation.
Moreover, the creation of artificial islands and reclaimed land can also contribute to environmental sustainability. By carefully planning and executing these projects, Van Oord ensures that new developments do not harm local ecosystems. Instead, they can create new habitats for wildlife and support biodiversity. This approach aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable development in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.
