Royal IHC and Baggerbedrijf de Boer – Dutch Dredging have signed a contract for the construction of a custom-built 2,300m³ trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD).
The decision to invest in a new addition to the Baggerbedrijf de Boer fleet was based on the success of IHC-built TSHDs ALBATROS and MAHURY (delivered in 2013 and 2015 respectively).
According to IHC, one of the main characteristics of the new vessel will be small draught, giving it the ability to be deployed worldwide. Compared to the two previous TSHDs, it has a larger hopper and the capacity of the dredging equipment has been increased.
The newbuild will also be equipped with the latest innovation in the field of overflows – the IHC Plumigator. This tackles issues caused by the overflow process such as air pockets underneath the ship, which can result in a loss of performance, additional downtime and maintenance costs.
“ We are proud to have been awarded the contract to build this vessel for Baggerbedrijf de Boer – Dutch Dredging ,” commented André Kik, IHC Account Director Benelux . “ The design is the result of close cooperation between the two companies. This order shows that IHC is competitive in making advanced equipment for smaller as well as larger TSHDs.”
Hugo van de Graaf, Managing Director of Baggerbedrijf de Boer , added: “ The MAHURY and ALBATROS are both versatile dredgers with high levels of productivity. We are glad to have made the decision to invest in a new IHC-built TSHD once again. Due to the further improved design that has been developed in cooperation with our crew, this vessel is even more efficient and can be deployed worldwide.”