Our R&D department carries out diverse projects for the deep-sea mining market. The tide is on our side; this market is booming, because the worldwide extraction of valuable minerals at great depths is considered to be lucrative.  IHC Merwede has a wealth of knowledge and skills in exploiting and pumping , and in taking these techniques to great depths. Think for example about cutting out volcanic  rocks at a 2.5 km distance below sea level.

"I started at IHC Merwede after I graduated as mechanical engineer at TU Delft. What I learned about mining, offshore and dredging techniques at university was very useful during my work experience placement at the ‘Mineraal Technologisch Instituut’ here at IHC Dredgers in Kinderdijk. During this work experience placement, I prepared a concept design for a deep-sea mining installation. After this, I did a traineeship. IHC Merwede is a large internationally operating organisation which enables you to be at the forefront of developments. 

In my current role as a project engineer, I am responsible for a number of smaller projects and participate in a large scale project. In fact, we develop new techniques by combining all knowledge available within IHC Merwede. Our Research & Development department plays a key role in this. My highlight so far has been a prototype for a cutter, which you can use, for example, on a hard seabed.  This cutter has performed so well during tests, that has been brought to the market. My role as project engineer also means that I need to travel quite often to meet clients. All in all a very diverse job! "