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Environmental Impact

CSR 2016 – Boskalis

30

Ecosystem services valuation

Ecosystem Services (ES) is a term used to denote the benefits that

humans derive from nature. Using an ecosystem services valuation

model to monetize the value of an ecosystem allows stakeholders

to weigh the ‘natural capital’ against the economic and social

benefits. While a large number of scientists are working on this

concept, translation into practice is sorely lacking.

Since dredging contractors already implement Building with Nature

solutions in projects which reflect a deep concern with ecosystem

preservation, taking the next step to an ES approach is a natural

progression. In 2016 the International Association of Dredging

Companies (IADC) commissioned the study ‘Ecosystem services:

Towards integrated marine infrastructure project optimization.’

The study was conducted by the University of Antwerp, with a

specialist in ecosystem services. Boskalis participated in a group

of experts from the dredging industry which was actively involved

throughout the study to provide input and discuss intermediate results.

The findings of the study have been presented in a report, which is

available for download from the IADC website. The report explains

the general concept of ecosystem services and the overall

considerations on its use in the context of dredging projects.

The ES concept is complicated and its implementation even more

so. Clearly, research into valuing ecosystems and biodiversity and

the relationship between the two is only just beginning.

Salvage and wreck removal

Through SMIT Salvage (salvage and wreck removal) we provide

assistance to shipowners with vessels in distress and seek to avert

potential major environmental disasters. We employ solutions that

take the environment and natural surroundings into consideration.

Wreck removal operations always take place in cases where a

wreck is obstructing safe navigation or presents an environmental

hazard. We use advanced technology and expertise to remove

potentially hazardous substances such as bunker fuel and cargo

from wrecks, and have a successful track record in salvaging

vessels and platforms under challenging circumstances.

SMIT Salvage attended to more than 50 marine casualties in 2016.

The spectacular salvage operation of the ro-ro carrier Modern Express

in the Bay of Biscay and the refloating of the containership CSCL

Indian Ocean on the Elbe River received a lot of media attention.

For more information on the

salvage of the Modern Express

please

refer to our online magazine

(boskalis.com/magazine

).

Salvage of the ro-ro carrier

Modern Express.

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