PDENH invests in restoring biodiversity in the North Sea

2 May 2023

Participatory Fund for a Sustainable Economy North Holland (PDENH) financed – together with Triodos Sustainable Finance Foundation en Nesec Ship Finance – the construction of a sailing vessel for Sea Ranger Service. The ship will be deployed from the beginning of 2024 for research and management of the North Sea. Sea Rangers will also promote seagrass restoration from the ship, which captures CO2 and makes a great contribution to biodiversity.

The 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-metre-long sailing vessel is currently under construction at a shipyard in Hardinxveld-Giessendam. By using wind as its primary method of propulsion, the ship can carry out the necessary offshore research and biodiversity restoration services with very low emissions and in an inexpensive way.

Investment scoop 
The new ship is a big step forward for the Sea Ranger Service, as they can now expand their nature conservation work and youth training to countries beyond the Netherlands. For some of the investors, the project has proven to be a first. For Triodos Regenerative Money Centre Bank and PDENH, it is the first time they have invested in a shipbuilding project.

Thomas Ticheloven, Investment Manager at 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 on the Sea Ranger Service, please visit: www.searangers.org

About PDENH: 

PDENH was set up by the province of North Holland with the aim of boosting the sustainable economy in North Holland. The fund invests in companies and projects focusing on 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