The Brabantse Delta water board has commissioned Paans Van Oord, a subsidiary of Van Oord, to restore the bank along the Kerkvaart river in Waspik. The use of fascine mattresses made entirely of natural materials represents an important step forward in terms of sustainability. A first in the Netherlands that both the client and the contractor are proud of.

The bank along the Kerkvaart river, a tributary of the Oude Maasje river, is in need of major maintenance. To protect the hinterland from flooding, the bank must be reinforced and stabilised. Paans Van Oord uses fully biobased fascine mattresses for this, which are weighted down with quarry stone. Fascine mattresses are mats of braided willow with a filter cloth, which prevent the soil from washing away, thus protecting it against erosion. A jute cloth, a natural and sustainable alternative to the usual geotextile cloth, will be used for this project.

Sustainability, innovation and collaboration are keywords in addressing the challenge of our time. Together, we can develop new solutions that contribute to a better world. Van Oord is collaborating with Van Aalsburg, a partner specialising in sustainable willow products. Based on a shared sustainability ambition, these partners have joined forces to research and invest in the use of biobased materials as part of ‘Building with Nature’. The use of the biobased fascine mattresses in this project is an important step for both parties in the further development and applicability of the product. Work will start in mid-August and be completed by the end of September.

Anco Sneep, executive director of the Brabantse Delta water board: ‘From the moment we begin to determine the scope of our procurement and other contracts, social responsibility and sustainability are paramount. That means sustainability is an integral part of our assignments to the market. Impact cannot be realised without collaboration. We do this by participating in so-called buyers’ groups or other processes in which sustainable alternatives are explored with the market prior to tenders. We also create a procurement calendar, so that the market can properly prepare for upcoming tenders. The use of biobased fascine mattresses fits well with our sustainability ambition.’

Carlos Mollet, Commercial Director of Dredging & Infra at Van Oord: ‘We are very happy with this assignment. We recently signed the cooperation agreement with Van Aalsburg with the aim of further developing, realising and applying biobased fascine mattresses. The fact that we are now applying it to a project is great, and it represents another step in our commitment to creating sustainable solutions and using natural materials. We greatly appreciate that the Brabantse Delta water board is allowing room for this initiative. That attitude will help the sector take steps towards sustainability.’