Royal IHC has brought in Royal Van der Leun to build a diesel-electric hopper dredger. The latter will deliver the machinery, nautical systems, switchboards, cabling, and complete system integration.
For over half a century, Royal Van der Leun and Royal IHC have partnered in the construction of hopper dredgers.
This 97.54-metre vessel, with a hopper capacity of 4587 cubic metres, will be built at Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Florida, USA, for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Also read: Royal IHC and ESG to build medium-class hopper dredge
Diesel electric and dredging efficiency
It will feature a diesel-electric propulsion system that meets the highest environmental and efficiency standards (EPA Tier 4 and IMO Tier 3). Royal Van der Leun will also provide on-site supervision during installation and support the final commissioning.
The advanced hopper vessel will join the USACE’s Ready Reserve Fleet, playing a crucial role in ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable waterborne transportation. The ship is equipped with the latest innovations, including highly automated systems like Integrated Forward-Looking Sonar, Dynamic Positioning, and Tracking, greatly enhancing dredging efficiency.
Also read: Royal IHC selects yard in Vietnam to build dredgers
ECO Package
Equipped with the ECO Package, the dredger can operate up to fifteen per cent more efficiently, reducing both fuel consumption and environmental impact. The integration of Plumigator technology further minimises air release during dredging, contributing to a lower environmental footprint.
Picture by Royal IHC.
