Van den Herik has been working for years with its French subsidiary Eco Systèmes de Dragage on the multi-year maintenance of various seaports in Normandy, France. This maintenance focuses on maintaining the depth of navigation channels and harbor basins so that the ports remain safe and easily accessible to shipping.

It concerns the following ports:

• Dieppe
• Ouistreham
• Fécamp
• Deauville-Trouville
• Port-en-Bessin-Huppain
• Grandcamp-Maisy
• Le Tréport

For the execution we deploy, among others, the trailing suction hopper dredger Christophorus, crane pontoon Herik 70 and a self-propelled hopper dredger. By periodically dredging, we remove the natural accumulation of sand and silt. This is necessary to ensure passage, maintain water drainage and prevent flooding. Thus, maintenance contributes to both safety and the economic function of the ports.

The work takes place in operational ports, where shipping and logistics processes continue continuously. This requires precise coordination and execution with minimal disruption to users. In addition, the strong tidal variations along the Normandy coast pose a significant challenge, requiring tight planning and flexibility.

Van den Herik and Eco Systèmes de Dragage are building on previous experience from 2010 to 2017, in which similar work was successfully carried out. Thanks to this knowledge and the deployment of specialized equipment, we realize maintenance efficiently and reliably.

The project is being commissioned by several regional authorities and port organizations in Normandy.