Damen to supply WID for UK Dredging

UK Dredging, part of Associated British Ports, operates Britain’s largest dredging fleet. Among its vessels are a number of Damen dredgers and workboats, including two Multi Cat Plough Vessels.

A smaller water injection dredger will enable the company to extend the intervals in between hopper dredging operations, it said.

“The introduction of WID into our fleet will enable us to offer our clients a number of different dredging techniques optimised for the local conditions,” said Mark Pearson, general manager, UK Dredging.

“The vessel’s highly efficient diesel-electric propulsion and power system will help to achieve a significant reduction in both fuel consumption and emissions that are important steps towards reducing UK Dredging’s carbon footprint.”

Damen has adapted the standard design of the Shoalbuster 2711 specifically for this project, including optimising the vessel’s hull.

In place of the usual submersible jets, the Shoalbuster 2711 WID will use a next generation, fully electric Damen E-DOP450 dredge pump with a 4,000m3/h capacity, making it the largest in Damen’s dredge pump portfolio.

The vessel will also be equipped with a hydraulically operated A-frame which tilts for storage on the vessel’s aft. When not in use, both plough and pump can be dismounted and stored on the quayside.

“The Shoalbuster 2711 WID is an extremely versatile vessel with an operating profile that goes way beyond its primary function,” said Joppe Neijens, Damen sales manager dredging. “It’s also a very efficient vessel that offers a leap forward in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness in operation – a good concept for now and for the future.”