(With extra pictures) The launch ceremony of DEME’s 7950 m3 dual-fuel trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Scheldt River took place on 14 January at Royal IHC's shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel, the Netherlands.
The Scheldt River follows the launch of the world’s first LNG-powered hopper Minerva on 3 December.
TSHD Innovations
As a result of continuous research effort on fuel saving and analysis of operational profiles, a two-speed propulsion drive has been developed. In contrast to conventional single speed propulsion, the IHC-patented two-speed gearbox ensures fuel savings when sailing at lower speeds. The Scheldt River and Minerva are the first TSHDs to be equipped with this innovation.
Another innovation is the newly developed wing-shaped bow thruster tunnel. This new shape is the result of extensive hydrodynamic analyses and improves the bow thruster performance.
Vessel Particulars
- Name: Scheldt River
- Type: Trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD)
- Owner: DEME
- Builder: Royal IHC
- Length overall: 115.8 m
- Breadth: 25 m
- Depth: 9.0 m
- Design draught: 6.5 m
- Hopper capacity: 7950 m3
- Dredging depth: 60 m
- Speed: 14 knots
- Accommodation: 20 people
