Royal IHC will design and engineer a 5000-m3 trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD) for US based Cashman Dredging & Marine Contracting. With this order Royal IHC will deliver technological know-how in its design package which will result in one of the most state-of-the-art dredging vessels in the United States.

The order is a welcome boost for IHC, which was saved from bankruptcy last year and had to cut hundreds of jobs.

The tailor-made shallow draft TSHD design combines advanced technology with a high level of manoeuvrability. The diesel electric configuration of the dredge will enable optimal power utilisation for the various types of dredging works, and the engines will comply with air pollution regulations EPA Tier IV and IMO Tier III. The design incorporates state-of-the-art dredge automation and high-efficient dredge equipment, increasing the efficiency of the dredging process.

Also read: How to raise the autonomy level of the dredging process

Once the vessel is completed, it will help position Cashman Dredging for the most challenging dredging projects in the United States. Thanks to a thorough selection of equipment and specific design choices, the vessel will be versatile and can be deployed in various maintenance and beach nourishment projects.

Two dredge pumps and shallow draught

The design includes two dredge pumps that enable large discharge distances when operated in series. Furthermore, it features two suction tubes enabling operation in most conditions by either using both tubes or just one in a strong current scenario.

The vessel’s shallow draught allows sailing close to shore, decreasing shore discharge distances. Additionally, two azimuth thrusters provide maximum manoeuvrability.

IHC America

The order has been realised by the cooperation between Cashman Dredging, IHC America (Houston, Texas) and Royal IHC’s engineering department in the Netherlands.

‘It is very rewarding to see that our designs are significantly boosting the country’s dredging capacity,’ says Rafael Habib, IHC’s Sales Director America. ‘Our mission is to help customers in the US and the Americas grow their business with IHC’s custom or standard design TSHDs or CSDs (cutter suction dredgers, Ed.), spare parts, custom systems and technical support.’

Bankruptcy averted

Last year, the government, banks and a consortium with investor HAL and major clients of IHC reached an agreement to save the maritime concern from collapse. Losses at the Kinderdijk-based company were piling up due to large problem projects. Bridging loans and credit guarantees worth hundreds of millions of euros had to avert bankruptcy.

Also read: Dutch government and companies rescue shipbuilder Royal IHC

In November, IHC announced 300 job cuts in the Netherlands. A similar number of jobs will also be lost abroad. IHC announced that it would mainly focus on the offshore and dredging markets.

Source (in part): ANP