Elbe maintenance dredging 2027 / 2029

Summary

The contract covers maintenance dredging in the Lower and Outer Elbe waterways to restore and maintain the required channel depths and widths. The work comprises dredging, transporting and placing approximately 30 million m³ of sediment at designated sites between 1 May 2027 and 30 April 2029. Approximately 14.5 million m³ is planned for the first contract year and 10.5 million m³ for the second, with four additional dredging campaigns. Up to two dredging units are required for the main works, plus an additional unit for the campaigns; the main works are to be carried out by hopper dredgers. Bidders must allow for possible round-the-clock operations, variable quantities and the fact that many periods of downtime are not compensated. The contracting authority may extend the contract in three-month periods, by no more than one year in total. The bid must include written evidence that the dredging vessels are registered in the EU and fly the flag of an EU Member State, and a commitment that they will be available throughout the contract period. All equipment must meet the technical requirements; the bid must include equipment specifications, prices and estimated fuel quantities for the relevant bill-of-quantities items.