Boskalis Sustainability Report 2020

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BIODIVERSITY

GROW GROW is a joint research program in offshore wind that initiates research and accelerates innovations. 2020 was the second year of our participation in the Gentle Driving of Piles (GDP) project, initiated in the GROW program to minimize the environmental impact of installing offshore wind platforms. Monopiles are the most commonly used foundations for offshore wind turbines; the dominant method for driving them into the seabed is hydraulic impact piling, or hammering, creating substantial noise and disturbance for underwater marine life, as well as damage to the monopile. Through the simultaneous application of different frequencies, the driving load and emitted noise can be substantially reduced. In addition, through the reduced costs for noise reduction measures, financial savings can also be made. ECOSHAPE Boskalis has been a leading partner in the EcoShape consortium for over 12 years, developing and implementing innovative solutions for clients through the Building with Nature approach. In 2021 our focus will be on upscaling and mainstreaming these applications. See page 66 for full details.

ARTIFICIAL REEFS In 2020, after extensive preparation, we launched a pilot project in Panama to test a new concept for artificial reefs. These reefs can be used as ‘stand alone’ habitats, to enhance biodiversity around the marine infrastructures we create, and as part of our coastal protection solutions. See page 66 for full details.

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020 – BOSKALIS