UKD Bluefin Gets New Dredge Monitoring System

The “UKD Bluefin” has undergone a complete refit of the Dredge Monitoring System. Damen delivered all required software and hardware for trailing pipe and loading process monitoring, making use of the existing sensors on board. The refit was done within two weeks during a scheduled docking resulting in zero downtime.

As the Damen Dredging Instrumentation system allows full customization, extensive talks with the UKD Bluefin crew have resulted in a new configuration exactly fitting the “UKD Bluefin” requirements.

The new system allows monitoring on both bridge wings of both trailing suction pipes in horizontal and vertical angles, each on one screen. On another screen the loading process is monitored, including a full overview of the TSHDs Draught as well as the Tons Dry Solids (TDS) load line. At the navigation desk two more screens have been mounted for the same purposes. The system allows the various screens to show different pages simultaneously. Moreover a Data Logging and Reporting module plus remote access from the shore based office have been installed.

All refitting has been done during a scheduled docking at Middlebrough, UK. As the Damen system is capable of making use of existing sensors, the refit was a straightforward one. Within two weeks all Damen software and hardware were up and running. All signals from the existing sensors, such as the trailing pipe’s angle sensors, the draught sensors and the concentration and velocity meters, were checked and fed into the new system.

The “UKD Bluefin” crew is content with the new Dredge Monitoring System. Mr Paul Mitchell, UK Dredging Operations Manager, says “The new Damen system offers a clear overview of the various processes. Moreover the practical controls are another plus for the Damen system. We are pleased with the refit by Damen and look forward to doing more projects with them in the future”.

The “UKD Bluefin” has continued its maintenance duties of the UK ports since at UKD’s full satisfaction.

Press Release