However, like Antwerp and the Westerschelde, which Jan De Nul will also be dredging (see page 2), the port can only be reached via a narrow channel, which over the years has silted up. The company will deploy two trailer hopper dredgers to deepen the channel to a depth of 12.5 metres. The work is expected to last eight months.

The company has worked in the Gulf region before, dredging for Iran in the past and currently working on contracts for Oman and Dubai. “The situation is a lot better than a few years ago,” said Wim Dhont, regional manager. “We’ve prepared ourselves for every possible scenario.” Extreme attention has been paid to the safety of staff, crew and vessels, the company said in a statement. In practice, that means the presence of private security guards, who will keep a low profile. The contract is worth €52 million.