annual report - Royal Haskoning

coastal & rivers
divisions
With climate change climbing higher on the world agenda, the need for the planning and design capabilities of the Coastal
& Rivers division has never been more acute. Well positioned to capitalise on this demand, the division covers both the
public and private sectors, offering a broad and integrated package which includes coastal management, flood protection
and erosion control. Our services range all the way from feasibility studies and policy development to project design and
implementation.
The growth of the division’s international operations stems from our leading positions in the domestic markets of The
Netherlands and the United Kingdom. This cross-European position allows us to be involved with policy direction and play a
pivotal role in the introduction of new EU Guidelines. In 2006, as part of our proactive and innovative market approach, we
held a very successful Flood Management workshop on the draft EU Flood Directive. The considerable benefits of sharing
knowledge and practical experience at high levels are recognised by our clients, and the workshop was attended by key
policymakers representing the EU, Netherlands, England, Wales, Ireland, Hungary and Slovakia.
Turnover in 2006 set a new record at over 1 20 million, a growth of 23 percent compared to last year. This growth was
underpinned by an overall Division staff increase of the same level. For 2007, the division targets a turnover of 21 million.
The division’s operations in the United Kingdom continue to be dominated by the Environment Agency work in England
and Wales and the assignments for local councils in Scotland. Despite cutbacks in DEFRA-funding, the Division managed
to maintain its workload. In the Netherlands, our market share continues to grow with new assignments in coastal zone
management, water management, river management and engineering as well as knowledge development. We were pleased
with the first prize in a 2006 competition on the most innovative design for river groynes. In support of the continued
growth of our Dutch operations, we will expand in Rotterdam in 2007.
Internationally the division has consolidated its position and will be focusing on developing new markets within the USA
(New Orleans), Middle East, India and Africa in 2007. On our domestic markets, the main push during 2007 will be directed
towards client base diversification. We intend to increase our activities for the private sector, both in our domestic and
international operations, while continuing to work closely with executive bodies and government agencies in defining
policy objectives and important requirements for the sector as a whole.
>> market demand grows along with climate change awareness
>> record turnover but modest profitability in 2006
>> focus on new international markets and client base diversification
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