Damen Shipyards Group and Port Otago with partner Napier Port have signed a contract for the delivery of a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) 1000. At nearly 60 metres in length, this standard Damen design has a maximum hopper volume of 1000 m3.
Damen and the two ports have both established processes aimed at improving sustainability. Working together with the mariners from the ports, Damen has heavily focused the vessel design on sustainable performance through ballast water free operation. The TSHD will arrive in New Zealand with a Green Passport under the IMO rules.
Damen’s new TSHD 1000 will provide an important addition to the Port’s fleet, replacing the long-serving vessel New Era, when it arrives in early 2027. The vessel will be equipped with twin azimuth thrusters and a bow thruster to ensure good manoeuvrability in the long entrance to Port Chalmers and Dunedin.
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Shipyard 189 in Vietnam
Damen will build the TSHD 1000 at Shipyard 189 in Haiphong, Vietnam. Shipyard 189 was established in 1989 and has built more than 150 vessels for military and commercial customers for both Vietnam and foreign countries. In more recent times, Yard 189 has built complex ships and special purpose barges using the design, technology and accessories supplied by Damen. Customers have included the Royal Australian Navy and the NZ fishing company, Sanford.
‘Partnering with Damen provides us with access to leading dredge technology,’ says Port Otago CEO Kevin Winders. ‘We aim to enhance our dredging operations, going beyond compliance in environmental standards and modernising our fleet through this collaboration. The safety and efficiency of our operations in the ports are crucial in enabling the maritime sector in our region and the new dredge will ensure the channel remains safe for the next generation.’
Pim Schuurman, Regional Sales Director at Damen, adds: ‘Damen is pleased to have another dredger in this part of the world to partner the Tommy Norton, along with Damen tugs in the region. Another vessel provides scale, enabling us to invest in additional spare parts and service across Australasia.’
Picture by Damen.
