Jan de Nul orders two more dredgers

Jan De Nul Group has placed an order with Tianjin Xinhe Shipbuilding and Heavy Industry in China for the construction of two 3,400m³ hopper dredgers. In addition, the company has agreed an option for a third identical hopper dredger. Delivery is slated for early 2010.

The dredgers are specifically designed for operation in shallow waters, and have a loaded draught of only 5m. The vessels are completely diesel-electric and will have electrically driven rudder propellers and bow thrusters, making them very manoeuvrable and eminently suitable for operation in confined areas.

Said the company: “The order shows that the Jan De Nul Group?s investment portfolio also includes smaller units, enabling the Group to offer the most suitable dredger for every job. It further marks a new step in the continuing co-operation between the Xinhe Shipyard in Tianjin, China and Jan De Nul Group. Including these hopper dredgers, the Xinhe Shipyard now has 10 vessels under construction for the Group – four 1,800m³ and two 3,700m³ splitbarges, one 3,700m³ splithopper dredger, one backactor and the two newly ordered 3,400m³ hopper dredgers.”

The shipyard has already successfully delivered nine vessels – five 3,700m³ split barges, one 3,700m³ split hopper dredger, two cutter dredgers and one workboat.