A leap forward in sustainability and cost-effectiveness
August 3, 2023By Seawork Press FP
Damen Shipyards
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Important steps towards reducing UK Dredging’s carbon footprint have been taken with the signing of a contract with Damen Shipyards Group for the delivery of a Shoalbuster 2711 Water Injection Dredger (WID).
UK Dredging part of Associated British Ports (ABP), operates Britain’s largest dredging fleet, undertaking maintenance dredging in ABP’s ports typically using hopper dredgers.
According to Damen, the new vessel represents a unique and innovative approach to water injection dredging, enabling extreme efficiency and flexibility. The smaller water injection dredger will enable UK Dredging to extend the intervals in between hopper dredging operations, considerably increasing efficiency. Damen has adapted the proven, standard design of the Shoalbuster 2711, optimising the vessel’s hull specifically for this project. The vessel’s highly efficient diesel-electric system p;rovides a significant reduction in both fuel consumption and emissions.
In place of the usual submersible jets, the Shoalbuster 2711 WID will use a next generation, fully electric Damen E-DOP450 dredge pump, the largest in Damen’s dredge pump portfolio, with a 4,000m3/h capacity, ensuring optimal efficiency and low operational costs. The vessel will also be equipped with a hydraulically-operated A-frame. When not in the use, the A-frame will tilt, enabling the plough to be stored on the aft of the vessel. Use of the E-DOP and A-frame contributes significantly to the vessel’s multi-functionality; when not in use, the plough including pump, can be dismounted and stored on the quayside, leaving the vessel free to undertake other operations.
Joppe Neijens, Damen Sales Manager Dredging, said of the contract, “We are very pleased to once more be working with UK Dredging. This innovative project demonstrates the versatility of the standardised shipbuilding approach; even though the vessel is built in series it can be adapted to meet the needs of the customer. The Shoalbuster 2711 WID is an extremely versatile vessel with an operating profile that goes way beyond its primary function. 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.”
Mark Pearson General Manager, UK Dredging said, “The Contract Award of this Damen Shoalbuster 2711 WID is an important milestone for UK Dredging. 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. 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.”
