Integrated dredging solutions
Blue Economy
In a context of increasing pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems, Nautilus Dragados positions itself as a company that not only offers advanced technical solutions but also does so with a deep commitment to the natural environment. Our daily activities directly contribute to the development of a sustainable blue economy, capable of generating economic value, employment, and environmental resilience without compromising the health of our oceans and coasts.
What is the blue economy?
The blue economy is a concept promoted by the European Union and the UN that encompasses all economic activities related to the oceans, seas, and coastal areas that:
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- They promote sustainable growth
- They promote social inclusion and green jobs
- They guarantee the preservation of marine natural capital
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From sustainable coastal tourism to renewable marine energy, the blue economy demands a profound transformation in how we relate to the marine environment.
Specific contributions from Nautilus Dragados
Sustainable dredging with clean technologies
Our dredging techniques are based on direct pumping systems and closed circuits, minimizing the resuspension of contaminated sediments, avoiding truck transport, and reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80%.
📌 Impact on the blue economy:
We contribute to the maintenance of port infrastructure and waterways without altering sensitive coastal ecosystems, promoting a clean and efficient port economy.
Natural beach regeneration
We apply sand supply solutions from selected seabeds, without the need for heavy land-based machinery or landfills. The reclaimed beaches not only gain functionality and beauty, but also enhance their value as tourism and cultural attractions.
📌 Impact on the blue economy:
We strengthen sustainable coastal tourism, a source of income and employment for many communities, while protecting natural barriers to climate change.
Circular management of invasive algae
Through on-site extraction, separation, and treatment, we convert invasive Asian algae into productive resources that can later be used as agricultural fertilizer, compost, or biofuels. The entire process is carried out using floating equipment that does not harm marine wildlife.
📌 Impact on the blue economy:
We combat biodiversity loss and transform waste into opportunities within a blue circular economy framework.
Ecological containment of coasts
We replaced traditional rock riprap with geosynthetic container solutions (geotubes, bags, and biodegradable barriers). These systems are reversible, adaptable, and have minimal visual and environmental impact.
📌 Impact on the blue economy:
We help build coastlines that are more resilient to sea level rise and extreme events, integrating engineering with landscape and the environment.
Dewatering of contaminated sludge and sludge
We use environmentally friendly polymers and dewatering systems that separate clean water from toxic sludge, facilitating its subsequent reuse or safe treatment.
📌 Impact on the blue economy:
Prevents illegal dumping or costly transport, improving water and sediment quality in ports, marshes, estuaries, and protected areas.
Global benefits for the blue economy
Environmental sustainability
Emission reduction, habitat protection, clean techniques
Technological innovation
Geotubes, ecological flocculation, zero-impact pumping
Circular economy
Recycling of algae and sludge, rational use of resources
Green employment and training
Generation of qualified local employment, transfer of knowledge
Tourism and quality of life
Beach restoration, increased safety and coastal appeal
Climate adaptation
Natural solutions for protection against storms
Alliances, science and commitment
Nautilus Dragados collaborates with:
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- Public institutions (town councils, ports, ministries)
- Marine research centers
- Environmental NGOs
- Startups and water engineering
These synergies allow us to go beyond technical projects and actively participate in the design of public policies and sustainable production models.
Aligned with the SDGs and the European Green Deal
Our actions are aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
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- SDG 14: Life below water
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
And we comply with the guidelines of:
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- European Green Deal
- European Commission’s Sustainable Blue Economy Action Plan
Conclusion: engineering at the service of the sea and the future
The blue economy is not a distant promise. It is a reality that requires committed actors with technical knowledge, environmental vision, and execution capacity.
At Nautilus Dragados, we assume this role with responsibility and conviction.
Because taking care of the sea is not an option, it is a necessity.
Contact us today!
If you’re looking for effective solutions for beach and coastal protection, our team of experts is ready to advise you on comprehensive coastal management and offer advanced coastal protection techniques tailored to your needs. Contact us for more information.