The Athena is the largest ever cutter suction dredger built in the Netherlands for a Dutch dredging company. It is also one of the largest cutter suction dredgers in the world. The vessel will be operational in October 2011.
The vessel is the company’s first self-propelled cutter suction dredger. The ceremony was performed by Mrs A.M. van Oord-Groen, the wife of Mr J.G. van Oord Sr. (formerly both chairman and supervisory director of Van Oord). The contract for the design, construction and delivery of the vessel was signed on 4 September 2008, after which the keel was laid on 19 February 2010.
Ergonomics and Clean Ship Notation
The vessel is equipped with the latest dredging technology, which makes it suitable for working on hard ground and rock down to a depth of more than 32 metres. The designers paid particular attention to ergonomics and living conditions on board. For example, the entire accommodation section is suspended in order to counteract vibrations. Once operational, the Athena will be provided with a Green Passport and a Clean Ship Notation, both from Bureau Veritas. It is the first dredger in the world to be awarded a Clean Ship Notation.
Artemis
At the end of 2010, Van Oord awarded the contract for the construction of a second self-propelled cutter suction dredger, Artemis, a sister ship for the Athena. The construction of the Athena and Artemis form part of the company’s investment programme for the period 2007-2015, amounting to almost EUR 2 billion.
