The 45-year-old 65-meter dredge that was employed to clear the bottom of Occitanie’s ports was in fragile condition, especially while entering and leaving Port-la-Nouvelle.
The growth of this port has finally persuaded the Region of Occitanie to invest 25 million euros in a new 70-meter-long dredge that is unique in the world. Its unique feature is that it is a hybrid hydrogen dredge.
Port-la-Nouvelle did not have the most appealing port in the Mediterranean, with 2,000 tons of fish sold at auction and only 2 million tons of products discharged each year. However, it may become such after the conclusion of ongoing construction that will allow it to expand from 7 to 30 hectares in 2023 and from 2 to 12 million freights in ten years.
On the bridge of Herse Force one, Mathieu Faure confides, “What is clear is that it will revolutionize our style of functioning at Port-la-Nouvelle.” The armament engineer in charge of the technical administration of the boats in the Occitanie Region controls roughly ten vessels, three of which are responsible for dredging the ports.
“Getting in and out of the pass in severe weather was occasionally problematic,” he continues, particularly with the Cap Croisette. The fact that we are increasing activity with a broader pass and a depth of 14.5 meters supports our continued dredging and keeps our employment secure. Even better, it encouraged the Region to invest in a world-first hybrid hydrogen dredge. HyDrOMer will look after the depths of the commercial ports of Sète-Frontignan and Port-La Nouvelle, as well as the fishing port of Grau du Roi and the coast of Occitanie.
The Region has set aside €25 million for the purchase of this cutting-edge vessel, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2023.
