Singaporean shipyard Keppel Offshore & Marine has delivered the 6000-m3 trailing suction hopper dredger Ortelius to Jan De Nul Group. This vessel is an identical copy of the Ultra-Low Emission vessel Sanderus, in service since February 2020 and currently at work on the River Scheldt in Belgium.
Ortelius is the fifth dredger delivered by Keppel O&M to Jan De Nul, following the delivery of three 3500-m3 trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) and one 6000-m3 TSHD, the Sanderus. All five are Ultra-Low Emission vessels (ULEvs), equipped with a two-stage catalytic filter system.
Built to the requirements of the EU Stage V and International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier III regulations, Ortelius is diesel-electric driven and able to dredge to a maximum depth of 35 metres. It features a shallow draught, is highly manoeuvrable, and suitable for working in confined areas.
‘Ortelius, like all our new dredgers showcases the capabilities of dredging at the lowest levels of emissions to date,’ says Mr Robby De Backer, Director of Newbuilding Department of Jan De Nul Group. ‘Our teams closely worked with the Keppel teams to overcome the challenges caused by Covid-19 and expedite the delivery of Ortelius.’
Mr Tan Leong Peng, Managing Director (New Builds) of Keppel O&M adds: ‘Our partnership with Jan De Nul has grown from strength to strength, and we were able to deliver all five Ultra-Low Emission dredgers to them safely and efficiently as a result of a holistic construction methodology. In dealing with Covid-19, we have put in place safity management measures, optimised operations and diversified our supply chain network, enabling us to catch up on work in a safe and efficient manner.’
Dual exhaust gas filter system
Internal combustion engines without post-treatment emit air pollution affecting both climate and air quality. With its ULEvs, Jan De Nul Group aims for much better air quality. These vessels are equipped with a catalyst that renders nitrogen oxides harmless and with a soot filter blocking the finest particles. Several of these pollutants also affect our climate so that the post-treatment also ensures a reduction of greenhouse gases.