Damen Shipyards Group and Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, have signed a contract for the construction of a new trailing suction grab hopper dredger. The vessel, based on the Damen TSHD 1000 design, has been customised to meet specific operational needs.
The agreement, concluded in March through ABP’s subsidiary UK Dredging (UKD), represents an important milestone in the long standing collaboration between the two organisations and the growing capability of UKD.
Also read: Damen to build 13 SAR vessels for Turkish Coast Guard
Diesel-electric with electric grab crane
The order follows the UKD Seadragon, a Shoalbuster 2711 WID (water injection dredger), which Damen delivered to ABP one year ago. Construction of the new vessel will take place at the Ha Long Shipyard, and the dredger is expected to be ready for maintenance duties in ports across the United Kingdom in 2028.
The vessel will be fitted with a diesel-electric propulsion system incorporating an energy storage system, as well as a Damen aftertreatment ULEv (Ultra Low Emission vessel) compliant exhaust system featuring selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filters (DPFs), aligning with the latest environmental standards in the maritime industry. The 60-metre vessel will also be equipped with an electrically driven grab crane.
Also read: Damen delivers WID Shoalbuster to UK Dredging
Dredging services across the UK
UKD is responsible for providing essential dredging services across ports and waterways throughout the United Kingdom. The dredger will play a crucial role in maintaining navigational depths and supporting safe, efficient vessel access to ABP’s ports.
Mark Pearson, General Manager of UKD: ‘The new TSHD 1000 will enhance our ability to maintain ports across the UK efficiently and sustainably, supporting our mission to provide reliable dredging services for our customers as a key part of ABP’s mission Keeping Britain Trading. The new multi-purpose TSHD 1000 is designed to support UKD’s commitment to sustainable and efficient port maintenance.’
‘We are proud to deliver a vessel that combines proven Damen design with bespoke features to meet UKD’s operational needs,’ adds Joppe Neijens, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards.
Picture: The trailing suction grab hopper dredger for UK Dredging (image by Damen).
Also read: UK provides important and loyal clients for Damen
