This year Beckett Rankine is delighted to be the sponsor of the Outstanding International Environmental Project Award at the prestigious British Expertise International Awards 2014. The award recognises achievement and innovation within an environmental context. Winners were selected by an independent panel chaired by HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, President of British Expertise and presentations were made at a Gala Dinner hosted by Edward Stourton at the Cumberland Hotel in London.

The deserving winner of the Outstanding International Environmental Award was URS for their ground-breaking solution to the potential destruction by dredging of a deep bay frequented by humpback whales, a ‘vulnerable’ species.

Their project (Hector and the Humpback Whales: An Innovative Approach to Dredging, Gabon) was recognised for its’ innovative approach to retaining the sandbank habitat of the whales and other marine wildlife whilst the dredging was carried out.

URS carried out marine ecology studies for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of a proposed Industrial Plant. They identified a potential constraint to attracting project finance because the site is adjacent to a deep bay frequented by humpback whales and marine turtles. Site raising was required to improve ground conditions and accommodate future sea level rises. Offshore sandbanks, located either side of the bay, were identified as sources of suitable material.

URS developed an innovative approach which enabled the sandbanks’ external slopes and stability to be maintained. This meant that dredging and landfilling were implemented without noticeable impact on sandbank stability, whales, turtles or marine environment.

Gordon Rankine, director of Beckett Rankine said “It is a great pleasure for Beckett Rankine to assist in the recognition and promotion of such a fascinating and worthwhile project”. A copy of the 2014 Awards Brochure can be found here