Damen and Hanson sign dredger vessel contract

Due for delivery in March 2021, the vessel will be able to extract aggregates offshore up to depths of 55m. It will be constructed in Damen’s shipyard in Galaţi, Romania. The dredge equipment and screening installation will be constructed by Damen Dredging Equipment (DDE) in Nijkerk, The Netherlands.

Joppe Neijens, sales manager at Damen, said: “A great deal of market research and modern engineering went into the development of the MAD series. These vessels are ideally equipped to bring aggregate dredging fleets into the 21st century.”

Powerful motor

This dredger will be aided by a 1,400kW permanent magnet electric motor, which powers the dredge pump for collecting aggregates at -55m. This particular vessel will also feature a dry unloading system built by Damen’s partner PLM Cranes BV.

The MAD 3500 has an enclosed bow is enclosed to protect deck equipment. All dredge pipes are situated above main deck level for safety, and the modular construction of the DDE dredge systems allows easy replacement of parts on the piping and screening installation.

The MAD 3500 design is ideally suited to operating within the dimensions of Shoreham lock on the English south coast. With the specific lock passage limiting the vessel’s overall length to approximately 103.5m, a deadweight of just under 6,800 tonnes and a speed at loaded draught of approximately 12.5 knots are within the vessel’s capability.