Enhancing biodiversity in the Blankenberge harbour

• Van der Vlist partners with GoOcean to enhance biodiversity at Blankenberge harbour using innovative ecoblocks.

• Ecoblocks integrated into the breakwater promote growth of marine organisms that improve water quality and absorb CO2.

• The project includes ongoing monitoring to assess ecological benefits and plans for potential large-scale expansion.

• Additional ecoblocks are available for adoption to support funding of this sustainability initiative.

At Van der Vlist, we believe in stewardship. It’s about taking care of the world we live in, not just for today’s operations, but for tomorrow’s world and for the generations to come.

Taking care of the environment is a big part of this. Van der Vlist aims to support innovative ideas that reduce pollution and advance sustainable industry. That is why this collaboration with GoOcean only seemed fitting. This week we signed our ecoblock, with colleagues from both our Belgian and Dutch branches.

The new Blankenberge’s harbour breakwater has been built using both traditional concrete Haro blocks and 40 cutting-edge ecoblocks. These ecoblocks transform marine concrete into habitable surfaces, encouraging the growth of calcifying organisms like oysters, tubeworms, and corals. These organisms help filter water and absorb carbon dioxide—boosting biodiversity and improving marine health.

Over the coming years, both sides of the breakwater will be closely monitored to track biodiversity progress. When the ecoblocks are proven successful, the project will be expanded for large-scale application.

There are still a few ecoblocks available for adoption, in order to fully fund this entire innovative initiative. Interested in funding the future? Read it here on the GoOcean platform.