Boskalis Sustainability Report 2020

27

maintaining and developing port infrastructure that facilitates global trade and economic growth; reclaiming land from the sea, allowing new housing to be built in densely populated cities, as well as new commercial development for (air)ports boosting global connectivity; creating inland infrastructure for trade and transport leading to more efficient transport networks, helping reduce traffic congestion on roads, mainly in the Netherlands. Developing and maintaining trade- and transport-related infrastructure continues to be recognized as an essential element in helping to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs, in particular SDG 9. Delivering climate resilient and sustainable trade- and transport-related infrastructure is an important way in which Boskalis can contribute to this goal. While our own project involvement is typically short and temporary, we make efforts to ensure that negative impacts are minimized and positive impacts are lasting. In addition to a number of more detailed project cases presented on page 28, examples of our projects in 2020 that deliver socio-economic impact include: ‚ An extensive greenfield port development project in Duqm, Oman, with the aim of creating a multipurpose commercial gateway to stimulate and diversify economic activity; ‚ The construction of the N69 provincial road between Eindhoven and Valkenswaard in the Netherlands – heavy traffic will no longer need to pass through villages, improving transport links and quality of life for residents; ‚ The reconstruction of the A16/N3 road connection in the Netherlands, improving traffic flow and safety in the region as well as accessibility; ‚ The deepening of the River Elbe, allowing it to accommodate larger container vessels with an anticipated efficiency improvement and positive impact on trade; ‚ Late 2020, Boskalis was awarded a very large land development project in the Philippines for the new Manila International Airport, bringing significant transport capabilities and associated socio-economic growth to the greater Manila region.

Ambition To create resilient infrastructure for trade, transport and society through our projects and services Scope Activities related to the development and/or maintenance of resilient maritime infrastructure such as ports, waterways, land reclamation and inland infra such as road-related developments Target To create reliable and resilient trade and transport related infrastructure that supports economic development and that is delivered by Boskalis using industry leading sustainability practices

2020 Performance ‚ These activities accounted for 41% of our Group revenue ‚ See project examples on page 28

Trade and transport are central to socio-economic development and ending poverty. International trade and effective transport corridors enable countries to grow faster, innovate, improve productivity and provide higher income and more opportunities to their people. Integrating with the world economy through trade and global value chains helps drive economic growth and contribute to socio-economic development. Executing hydraulic engineering projects for the developers of trade and transport infrastructure has been a core part of Boskalis for more than a century. Our activities in this area play a key role in supporting the socio-economic development of a region or country, contributing to the wellbeing of its occupants in a number of ways, including:

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020 – BOSKALIS

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker