PDENH invests in restoring biodiversity in the North Sea

May 2, 2023

Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH) finances – together with Triodos Sustainable Finance Foundation and Nesec Ship Finance – the construction of a Sea Ranger Service sailing vessel. The ship will be used from the beginning of 2024 for research and management of the North Sea. Sea Rangers will also promote the recovery of seagrass from the ship, which retains CO2 and makes a major contribution to biodiversity.

Sea Ranger Service has a dual mission: to train young people for a maritime career and to protect and restore biodiversity in the North Sea. The 24-meter sailboat is currently under construction at a yard in Hardinxveld-Giessendam. Using wind as its primary means of propulsion, the vessel will be able to carry out the necessary offshore research and biodiversity restoration services with very low emissions and at a low cost.

Investment scoop 
The new ship is a big step for the Sea Ranger Service, as it can now expand its conservation work and youth training to other countries outside the Netherlands. For some of the investors, the project turned out to be a first. This is the first time for Triodos Regenerative Money Center Bank and PDENH to invest in a shipbuilding project.

Thomas Ticheloven, Investment Manager of PDENH: “It is a combination of a sustainable approach, the drive to make a social impact and to be a leader in this new market. This combination makes Sea Ranger Service attractive for us to invest in.”

 The new ship is expected to be deployed in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom from early 2024. For more information about the Sea Ranger Service, please visit: www.searangers.org

About PDENH: 

PDENH was founded by the province of North Holland with the aim of stimulating the sustainable economy in North Holland. The fund invests in companies and projects that focus on the energy transition, circular economy and sustainable mobility. The fund has a size of € 85 million and has invested in more than 30 companies and initiatives since its inception. PDENH is managed by KplusV and Startgreen Capital. www.pdenh.nl