Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, has contracted Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam BV to design a large cutter suction dredger (CSD). The CSD is to expand the American company’s current fleet of dredgers.
The Dutch maritime design and engineering firm has been commissioned to provide a concept and basic design for the vessel, including a design package for the dredging equipment.
Having previously worked on projects such as DEME’s Spartacus and Jan De Nul’s IBN Battuta class, Vuyk Engineering has a considerable track record when it comes to designing dredging equipment such as CSDs and trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs). The services vary from complete design packages of vessels, to conversion scopes of cutter ladders, spud carriers and other specialised dredging equipment.
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This new project combines the specific requirements applicable to the US market, with the latest technologies that are developed for the international market. The dredger will be equipped with sophisticated systems to reach best in class workability in harsh environments.
Easy maintenance
Maximum effort is made to create a comfortable home for the crew. Besides that, the maintainability of the dredging equipment and machinery has top priority in this design. Wear parts are easily accessible, and all large components are reachable by cranes, so the crew can safely exchange components in limited time.
‘This contract marks a milestone for our company,’ says Floris Toetenel, Commercial Director at Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam. ‘For some time now, we have been looking into the possibility of establishing a foothold with our services in the United States. The first step was taken when we became an independent engineering company in 2021. This gave us the opportunity to seek out new business opportunities.’
Also read: Shipbuilder IHC sells Vuyk Engineering to Royal Doeksen
