Boskalis has deployed its new 31,000 m3 trailing suction hopper dredger Seaway on a coastal protection project off Den Helder in the Netherlands.

The vessel entered service after completing construction at Royal IHC’s shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel and undergoing sea trials in the North Sea.

For its first assignment, Seaway is carrying out channel bank nourishment intended to protect the coastline from natural erosion and rising sea levels.

The work forms part of a wider coastal protection contract recently awarded to Boskalis Nederland. The contract also includes beach nourishment on the Wadden Sea island of Texel and foreshore nourishment near Julianadorp.

Other trailing suction hopper dredgers operated by Boskalis will also take part in the coastal protection works over the coming years.