Commitment to Sustainability
Protecting Our Marine Future
At Nautilus Dragados, we work tirelessly to preserve and protect our marine ecosystems through innovative and sustainable techniques.
We believe that the development of maritime infrastructures and the management of coastal resources must go hand in hand with sustainability. For this reason, we are committed to innovative technologies that minimise environmental impact and guarantee the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
For the past 20 years, our team has focused primarily on dredging and all forms of marine construction, but for the past 5 years our speciality has been environmental dredging of harbours/marinas. Removing materials from the bottom safely, drying the material on land and returning the water safely back to the ocean is a big challenge.
However, having completed several large projects in accordance with regulatory oversight and approval, we now have full confidence in our processes and specialise in doing so in the confined spaces of a marina or port, where we dewater materials and control excess water, all in one place and process.
The process in its basic forms:
- We analyse the sediments to establish their composition and see if there is any possible contamination and find the right mix of flucculants etc.
- We dredge the material and pump it into geotextile tubes, adding a mixture of flocculants to separate the water from the sediments. It works with both surface and bottom sludge. In summer the algae sometimes bloom and agglutinate sediments on the surface, this is removed in the same way as the bottom sediments.
- Thanks to our dewatering process, we reduce transports by 3/4 and there is no need to transport or handle wet materials. The excess water is cleaned and returned to the sea, while the sediment remains in the bags to dry and can then be safely transported to any facility in the area, or burned to produce energy.
Sustainable Solutions with Geotextiles
In contrast to traditional methods, which can generate greater environmental disturbance, our geotube and geotextile-based solutions offer a more environmentally friendly, efficient and responsible alternative. These systems allow for the safe containment of sediment and debris, reducing water turbidity and preventing the loss of natural materials.
Applications of our Technology
At Nautilus Dragados, we use advanced and sustainable methods to minimise the environmental impact of all our projects.
Dehydration with Geotextile Tubes
Using geotubes, we achieve efficient sludge drying without the need for aggressive chemicals, allowing it to be reused or disposed of safely.
Dredging of harbours, beaches and rivers
Geotubes facilitate the controlled removal and storage of sediment, minimising the dispersion of particles in the water.
Beach Restoration
Thanks to the controlled retention of sand and sediments, we favour the regeneration of beaches without affecting their ecological balance.
Coastal Protection
Geotextile barriers reinforce shorelines without the need for invasive rigid structures, reducing erosion naturally.
Containment and recycling of invasive algae:
Our technology allows us to capture and manage these species efficiently, preventing their uncontrolled accumulation on the coast.
Marine Structures
Geotextiles contribute to the stabilisation of infrastructure foundations, prolonging their useful life and reducing the use of polluting materials.
Case study of the river Fuengirola.
Flood prevention and restoration of original depth.
In a case study to prevent future dredging in, for example, the river Fuengirola, we present the following method.
1. Location
Mouth of the river Fuengirola, surface of approx. 24.000m2.
Regular flooding when it rains heavily. 5 bridges cross the river and an average depth of 1-1,5 metres.
2. Dredging alternative
Suction dredging to remove loose sediment to a given depth.
This will open up the river so that it can receive more water when it rains heavily.
3. Dewatering and sediment handling
Materials dredged from the river bed are pumped and dried in GEOtubes at a location close to the river (maximum 2-3 km from the dredger). If desired, the materials can be used to improve river banks and infrastructure around the river and bridges.
Our Mission and Vision
At Nautilus Dragados, our mission is to lead the way towards a more sustainable future, focusing on the protection and restoration of marine environments. Our vision is to pioneer environmental solutions that not only mitigate the impact of pollution, but also promote the regeneration of marine habitats. With a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, we strive to create a world where oceans and coasts can thrive for future generations.
Impact Statistics
Nautilus Dragados has implemented several initiatives to protect the environment. Here are some of our achievements:
Tonnes of Waste Disposal
Restored Beaches
Completed Projects
Pollution Reduction
Join Our Cause
At Nautilus Dragados, we are committed to sustainability and the protection of the marine environment. We invite you to join us in this vital mission – contact us for more information and find out how you can contribute to a cleaner, greener future!