Utrecht Province Transitions to Emission-Free Dredging

The province of Utrecht in the Netherlands will conduct increasingly sustainable maintenance on canals and waterways by partnering with contractor Jos Scholman to perform dredging with zero emissions. The province plans a phased transition to electric and hydrogen-powered equipment for all dredging work. In 2025, work buses, a push boat, and a tipper tractor switched to hydrogen or electricity.

The province expects to complete the transition to fully electric or hydrogen-powered dredging by 2028, further reducing emissions of CO2, nitrogen, and particulate matter. All hydrogen fuel used for vehicles and equipment will be 100 percent green hydrogen produced on-site by the contractor, utilizing a dedicated hydrogen installation and refueling station.

This initiative supports the province’s broader goal of conducting more sustainable work on roads and waterways. The province will continue to expand the use of sustainable equipment in the coming years.