Valorising dredging sediments in the Port of Seville
The Sevilla Port Authority (APS) has adopted the Working with Nature model. This model consists of identifying how a project can achieve its goals while using natural processes to protect, restore and even improve the environment. This specific project concerns the sustainable growth of the fairway in the Guadalquivir estuary, connecting the port to the sea. The aim is to ensure navigability and increase cargo ship capacity, without altering the channel’s gradient or exceeding the maximum depth. This includes regular dredging maintenance work.
The sediments that are extracted during these works, are reused to create new wetlands in the Donaña National Park region, restore coastlines at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, stabilize river banks and improve agricultural soils. Furthermore they are applied in the local ceramics and construction industries. These efforts provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to the Guadalquivir estuary.
A vital part of this project is the participatory process involving various stakeholders, including residents, farmers, environmentalists, universities and public administrations.
The Sevilla Port Authority won the 2024 ESPO award for this project. This year’s award focuses on projects in the field of circular economy that benefit the surrounding community, while actively engaging stakeholders.
Source: ESPO Press Release – November 21, 2024.
Image credit: ESPO
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