CEMEX dredge pump e-motor passes tests

The Marine Aggregate Dredger CEMEX Go Innovation, currently under construction for CEMEX Marine UK, is fitted with a submersed dredge pump driven by the 1,400kW magnet and is designed for mining marine aggregates at 55m below sea level.

The Damen dredge pump is directly driven by a continuous electric motor without a gear box. At a specialised performance test facility not only the e-motor but the complete drive train, including the frequency converters, were tested. These tests included a full power test, an overspeed test at 120% of the nominal revolutions and a 130% torque test.

The 1,400kW electric motor on test is the largest permanent magnet motor used in a submersed dredge pump drive to date. Designed by Marotechniek and Damen Dredging Equipment, the air filled motor is controlled by a water-cooled AFE drive and has a measured efficiency of 97% including friction of all bearings and mechanical-seal.

The hopper dredger MAD3500 CEMEX Go Innovation is currently under construction at the Damen Shipyard in Galati, Romania and will be used by CEMEX Marine UK to mine aggregates in the British Channel and North Sea.