AVAIO Capital is pleased to announce that Ashland Specialties Belgium BVBA has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dockwater BV, to procure sustainable process water from the Dockwater project in the Port of Antwerp.

By switching from using the Flemish region's drinking water to process water produced by Dockwater, it is estimated that companies will reduce its consumption of drinking water by up to 98%, their total consumption of water by as much as 15%, and their use of water treatment chemicals and water discharge flows related to cooling towers and demin water production facilities by more than 50%, all while lowering the cost of water.

This will increase the drinking water supply available for residential use in the water-stressed region of Antwerp and conserve fresh water in the Albert Canal.

Guillermo Espiga, a representative of Dockwater said, "We are pleased by Ashland's decision to join our growing list of project partners. Dockwater will deliver high-quality process water and at the same time enable reductions in aggregate water consumption, reduce the chemical footprint and water cost for industries throughout the Port of Antwerp, and advance the region's sustainable water initiatives in a manner consistent with the Flemish government's Blue Deal."

Erik Van Hove, Plant Manager, Ashland said, "We are excited to work with Dockwater to explore the possibilities of this alternative water source and the effects on our operations. This valuable alternative to drinking water fits perfectly in our overall sustainability policy. This unique project demonstrates once more the strength and the advantages of the integrated Antwerp chemical cluster."