Non-paper sessions

Non-paper sessions will cover topics such as:

Attract and keep young professionals in the dredging industry
Young professionals bring unique perspectives, expectations and career paths that differ from those of previous generations. Gain a deeper understanding on how to better connect, support and retain young talent by stepping into the shoes of a young professional.

Back to the Future
Let's step into a time capsule to explore the past, and taste the future. Which game changers and gradual improvements have we seen since the first WODCON in 1986? Which dreams do you have for the dredging industry in 40 years' time? Wild ambition and unrestrained imagination are welcome!

Let's talk about preparation: Why projects fail, and how ECI can assist
“Why projects fail” is the subject of prof. Flyvbjergs lifetime research on big projects (including infrastructure), and especially why it goes terribly wrong so often. Could Early Contractor Involvement help to avoid such problems? Join in on a role play as a client preparing for a major project, followed by an expert panel reflection comparing options and discussing pro's and con's.

Major construction works in and around Antwerp
In a series of dedicated sessions, you will be taken behind the scenes of major construction works in the Port of Antwerp:

• Extra Container capacity Antwerp (ECA): a future major infrastructure project to expand and optimize container-handling capabilities
• Oosterweel Project: the construction and immersion of eight massive concrete elements to create the new Scheldt tunnel
• AMORAS: the sludge treatment facility, where contaminated sludge is converted into clean water and dry residue (site visit)

Marine minerals
There is a high need for critical raw materials. Deep seabed mining is close to getting started. But should we? Join the discussion and see whether you can convince others to change their point of view.

(Perceived) gap between specification and verification through surveys
A practice-driven workshop on survey specifications in dredging projects – where small ambiguities can become big claims. Join in to share experiences, challenge assumptions, and co-create a sharper, claim-resistant approach to specifying and verifying hydrographic survey parameters.

Safety in practice
No traditional QHSE presentations, but an interactive session: a series of compact, hands-on workshops where safety experts demonstrate and explain practical safety items directly related to the dredging industry. Let's make safety practical and, above all, fun!

The EU Emission Trade System: Join in on a safari through the jungle
The EU Emission Trade System (ETS) is one of the instruments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. It now also applies to the maritime sector (with certain exceptions). After a summary of the EU ETS principles, you will test your knowledge and skills to navigate the ETS-jungle prepared for you in the Zoo. Can you stay within your CO2-budget? Experience how the theory actually affects the world out there!

Upscaling Nature-based Solutions
This interactive session explores strategies for upscaling Nature-based Solutions (NbS), featuring insights from, amongst others, the NL2120 programme. Key goals are knowledge-sharing on NbS concepts trough interactive Fish Bowl sessions, cross-sector networking and motivating participants to take action within their own organisations.