Damen Shipyards has extended its trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) offering. The full TSHD range now covers hopper volumes from 650 to 5000 m3 and includes both hopper dredgers for port maintenance and multi-purpose dredgers.
All designs have a number of core values in common. The starting point for the designs were that the dredger be both practical in operation and in maintenance, and have a sustainable future-proof design. This standard range can be seen as a platform that can be fully customised by adding various options.
‘Practical maintenance is of vital importance on a TSHD,’ explains Olivier Marcus, Damen product director Dredging. ‘Due to the continuous wear of the sand/water mixture all piping and main components need frequent checks. In the design this has resulted in an efficient pipe routing, the use of high grade materials and ample space around the equipment for inspection and repairs.’
No ballast water
Moreover, the new series has been designed with sustainability in mind. For instance, no ballast water is needed throughout the operations, including sea voyages. And the designs do not have any fuel tanks in contact with the hull to avoid any future problems. The fully optimised, hence minimal amount of diesel, engines are fitted out with an SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system, prepared for IMO Tier III.
The new TSHD range is the result of an industry-wide consultation. Ever increasing global trade requires revitalising ports and waterways, of which accessibility can only be guaranteed by timely and adequate dredging activities.
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