Pilot Demonstrator 5 (PD5) explores how materials dredged from port basins can be reused instead of discarded. Every year, ports remove large amounts of sediment to keep waterways deep and safe for navigation. These sediments are often treated as waste, but PD5 aims to turn them into a valuable resource for building and maintaining port infrastructure. Led by RESDEV, with contributions from TU Delft, the Port of Rotterdam, and IPK, the demonstrator develops and tests new techniques to stabilize dredged sediments and transform them into low-carbon construction materials. The project evaluates their strength, durability, and environmental safety to ensure they meet EU quality standards.
By reusing sediments, PD5 helps ports lower maintenance costs, reduce CO₂ emissions, and limit the extraction of natural resources such as sand or gravel. The results will support a circular economy model that keeps valuable materials in use and makes European ports more sustainable and climate-resilient.
