Written by
Nick Blenkey
Picture: Boskalis
Two main Dutch gamers are once more pushing dredge know-how ahead. Following an intensive design section that started in 2020, Boskalis has signed a contract with Royal IHC for a large methanol-ready trailing suction trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD). With a hopper quantity of 31,000 cubic meters (40,546 cubic yards), it’s being described by Boskalis as a megahopper.
To be constructed at Royal IHC’s Krimpen aan den IJssel shipyard within the Netherlands, the vessel’s energy-efficient design will characteristic Azipod propulsion mixed with an optimized underwater hull design and a sophisticated automation system.
The diesel-electric vessel shall be ready for using inexperienced methanol and the twin gasoline fundamental engines shall be outfitted with two-stage turbochargers.
With a double suction pipe outfitted with underwater pumps and two discharge pumps with a mixed discharge capability of 15,000 kW, the brand new trailing suction hopper dredge shall be effectively suited to dredging materials and discharging it over lengthy distances to a reclamation website. This highly effective efficiency additionally contributes to elevated effectivity of the dredging course of.
The brand new vessel is anticipated to enter service in mid-2026.
“We’re delighted to have reached the ultimate award after a cautious course of, thus perpetuating the shut relationship between Boskalis and Royal IHC,” mentioned Theo Baartmans, a member of the Boskalis board of administration. “Furthermore, because of the progressive design and craftsmanship of Royal IHC and its companions, by constructing this megahopper we’re taking an vital step ahead in future-proofing our fleet.”
HOW A TSHD OPERATES
Whether or not a megahopper or considerably smaller, a trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD) is a vessel used to extract and transport sand or sediment by dragging a trailing head connected to an extended suction pipe (2) with water jets (1) whereas touring over the seabed, because of which the fabric to be dredged is loosened in entrance of the suction head. Massive centrifugal pumps transport the dredged materials to the hopper (3) from the place it’s later deposited (by means of backside doorways) (4) or discharged (by means of a pipeline or sprayed – rainbowed – throughout the bow) (5) to a reclamation space. Purposes embody the deepening and upkeep of ports and waterways and defending coastlines from erosion and the results of local weather change.
