Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. has been exclusively selected by Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited (CRP) to undertake the detailed design of its offshore rock phosphate nodule project at Chatham Rise. Boskalis was selected following a full review of three scoping studies submitted by global dredging contractors.
Chatham Rise is located 450 km east of Christchurch and covers an area of 4,726 km2 of significant seabed deposits of rock phosphate at a depth of approximately 400 meters. The establishment of a rock phosphate industry has a significant number of economic, environmental and market benefits. The phosphate will be applied as an agriculture fertilizer, replacing current long distance imports.
The innovative project approach developed by Boskalis is based on a recovery and separation system for the phosphate nodules applying adapted and proven dredging technology. CRP will enter into discussions with Boskalis to undertake detailed design and production testing. Furthermore, Boskalis will be closely involved in associated environmental studies which are now commencing. Boskalis is looking forward to working with the CRP team over the next 12-18 months to develop a comprehensive technical, economic and environmentally extraction solution.
The Boskalis strategy is designed to benefit from the key macro-economic drivers that are fueling global demand in our selected markets: global trade, increasing energy consumption, expanding population pressures and the challenges of changing climate conditions.
Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. is a leading global services provider operating in the dredging, maritime infrastructure and maritime services sectors. We provide creative and innovative all-round solutions to infrastructural challenges in the maritime, coastal and delta regions of the world including the construction and maintenance of ports and waterways, land reclamation, coastal defense and riverbank protection. We offer a wide variety of marine services through SMIT and we have positions in strategic partnerships in the Middle East (Archirodon) and in offshore services (Lamnalco). The company holds important home market positions in and outside of Europe. Boskalis has a versatile fleet of over 1,000 units and operates in over 65 countries across six continents. Including its share in partnerships, Boskalis has approximately 14,000 employees. Boskalis celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010.
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Source: boskalis, June 7, 2011