Van Oord Wins 2026 IADC Safety Award
The company received the honor in Malta for a newly developed pipe lifting tool that improves operational safety.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Van Oord has been honored with the 2026 IADC Safety Award, marking the second consecutive year the company has received the distinction. The award was presented at the IADC Annual General Meeting in Malta.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the industry shift toward automated equipment designed to remove personnel from hazardous lifting environments. By reducing the number of people required for reclamation pipe handling, the tool improves both safety and site efficiency.
Van Oord earned the IADC Safety Award for the second consecutive year, following their 2025 win. The award recognizes the company's development of a mechanically operated pipe lifting tool.
The players
Van Oord
Van Oord is an international maritime contractor specializing in dredging, land infrastructure, and offshore energy projects.
IADC
The International Association of Drilling Contractors represents the global drilling industry and promotes safety and operational excellence.
The details
The pipe lifting tool functions without an external energy source and automates the connection and disconnection of pipes to minimize human exposure to risk. This design also facilitates denser pipe storage by replacing manual handling procedures with mechanical clamps.
Timeline
Van Oord won the IADC Safety Award in 2025.
The 2026 IADC Safety Award was presented on October 16, 2026.
Market Landscape
This consecutive recognition cements Van Oord’s status as an industry leader in developing safety-focused mechanical solutions for the maritime sector. The focus on automation positions the firm to gain a competitive advantage in global land reclamation and infrastructure projects.
These mechanical advancements translate into fewer on-site injuries and more streamlined construction timelines for international infrastructure projects. Customers and project partners can expect improved efficiency and higher safety standards when utilizing these automated handling systems.
The takeaway
Innovation in mechanical tools provides a path to removing workers from dangerous environments without the need for complex external energy sources. Companies can achieve significant safety gains by prioritizing automated clamping systems over manual handling.
Further reading
For more developments in international energy operations, visit Oil and Gas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ocean News & Technology.
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