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Beens Group is working on a unique project in the Netherlands. From their electric workboat, they are using an electric foundation crane to narrow a 40-metre-wide waterway. All of this is powered by energy from a Greener battery.
Richard de Boer, is managing this project. We recently interviewed him to learn more about the project, how Beens Group approaches sustainable projects like this, and what the collaboration with Greener was like.
Could you tell us more about this project? What exactly is happening, and who commissioned it?
“The project was commissioned by the municipality of Dronten, a small town in the Netherlands. They aim to transform the area between the station and the city centre from an industrial zone into a residential area. Beens Group is responsible for preparing part of the site, including installing sheet piling and creating roads.
The project takes place in Hanzekwartier, a new residential area in Dronten. The existing 40-metre-wide waterway is being narrowed with new sheet piling, while a new waterway is being created within the area to compensate. Additionally, the existing sheet piles are being reused in the project. The work involves extensive earthworks, both on land and in the water.
We use our electric workboat Karst to navigate the waterway and install sheet piling in the water with our Sany electric piling crane. We use a Greener battery to power the crane with clean, sustainable energy.”
How do you ensure the work is as sustainable as possible?
“By looking into this from the very beginning. The municipality of Dronten is a true frontrunner in sustainability and has net zero ambitions. For this project, they are investing in new and experimental equipment and fuel types.
We at Beens Group do the same by investing in electric equipment. Machines that are not electric run on HVO fuel. Our electric machines, such as the piling crane, are charged through a Greener battery. This approach allows us to minimise emissions as much as possible.”
How do you work with the workboat Karst and the Sany electric piling crane? Do you use them a lot?
“Our workboat Karst was converted last year from a diesel-powered vessel to a fully electric workboat. It’s the first electric workboat in the Netherlands to be deployed in this way. Over the past year, we’ve used it for projects, mostly in the North-Holland province but also in other parts of the country.
In addition, we’ve acquired a fully electric piling crane. Both machines are essential to our sustainability goals. The workboat has now completed its tasks in Dronten and is already on its way to the next project. It’s proving to be very popular with clients.”
What decisions does Beens Group make to ensure your projects are sustainable?
“We look at how we can integrate sustainability right from the tendering phase. At Beens Group, we aim to execute our projects completely emission-free by 2035. This project fits perfectly with that ambition.
We invest in sustainable equipment, such as our electric workboat and construction machinery. We also explore innovative solutions like hydrogen. In Dronten, for example, we’re working with Watermeln, a supplier of hydrogen generators. We continuously experiment and learn, which allows us to work cleaner and more efficiently.”
How was the collaboration with Greener?
“The collaboration with Greener was very smooth, right from the early stages. A colleague of ours introduced us to Greener, and your sales manager Marnix Griffioen joined the discussions to coordinate everything with us, our suppliers, and other parties like Watermeln, Roger, and Dieseko.
Greener’s technical expertise was exceptional. Marnix provided valuable input, particularly regarding charging techniques. Your project manager Erwin also supported us excellently. Greener’s technical knowledge really helped us deliver this project successfully.”
