DEME and The Oyster Restoration Company (TORC) have joined forces to deliver EuroReefs. This is to become a landmark large‑scale offshore nature restoration project for native European flat oyster reefs.
The project is commissioned by Belgium’s Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment and financed by NextGenerationEU. 1800 natural and biodegradable clay bricks carrying at least one million European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) spat were installed two weeks ago on the seabed at a dedicated offshore site in the Hinderbanken gravel bed area. This is to support the development of a healthy, reproducing reef.
Elements for this innovative reef were loaded onto DEME’s split hopper barge Vlaanderen VIII in the port of Ardersier (Scotland), after which the vessel was deployed to place the spat on the seabed. Building on earlier pilot initiatives, EuroReefs represents a major step toward achieving large-scale marine ecosystem restoration, combining biodiversity expertise with advanced offshore engineering and logistics.
Also read: DEME names new jack-up Norse Energi
Towards industrial scale
EuroReefs is a clear example of a restoration project moving beyond pilot phase into industrial scale. By restoring oyster reefs, this project not only enhances biodiversity, but also strengthens ecosystem services such as water filtration, seabed stabilisation, and the creation of habitats that support marine life. This project will contribute to the European Union’s Nature Restoration ambitions and support Belgium’s efforts to enhance biodiversity and improve the environmental status of the North Sea.
Annelies Verlinden, Minister in charge of the North Sea: ‘This project hits the core of Belgium’s marine restoration goals. Through oyster repopulation, we are turning the Nature Restoration Regulation from a legal requirement into a vibrant, living reality in the North Sea.’
Also read: Pilot trials oyster reef restoration in Port of Rotterdam
Restoring ecosystems
‘EuroReefs demonstrates how offshore engineering can support nature restoration and integrate nature-based solutions at scale,’ adds Tomas Sterckx, Project Manager at DEME. ‘By combining our marine engineering capabilities with TORC’s ecological expertise, we are helping to restore marine ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and build more resilient environments in the Belgian North Sea.’
Dr. Nik Sachlikidis, CEO of The Oyster Restoration Company, concludes: ‘Through EuroReefs, we are restoring native oyster reefs at a meaningful scale. This project brings together science, technology, and offshore expertise to help rebuild a habitat that is critical for marine biodiversity.’
Picture: Elements for the innovative reef were loaded onto DEME’s split hopper barge Vlaanderen VIII in the port of Ardersier (photo by DEME).
Also read: Ørsted and Van Oord install oyster structures in North Sea
