Europe’s initial conversion of a dredger to dual-fuel capacity incorporating LNG as well as MGO is close to conclusion at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque, the initial conversion of its kind to happen in Europe.

Damen prepares to supply a complete plan that consisted of design, purchase as well as assistance for the conversion of Dragages-Ports’ Samuel de Champlain 19 months after the agreement was granted.

The previous propulsion system of Samuel de Champlain was diesel-electric burning MGO. The agreement consisted of the modification of generators to dual-fuel versions as well as the installment of aboard LNG storage space centers.

“The project was a complex one and not without its challenges,” Damen claimed in a news release. “A decision to change the engine manufacturer once the project was underway required a fresh approach to their integration, and the interfacing of all the main systems with the new propulsion plant plus the extensive pipe works required meticulous planning and careful execution.”

Following her last appointing the Samuel de Champlain will certainly go back to her routine responsibilities of digging up the Loire as well as Seine rivers.

“The Samuel de Champlain conversion has been the subject of much interest within the dredging industry and the maritime industry in general,” claims Fabien Guillemot, Commercial Manager atDamen Shiprepair Dunkerque “LNG isn’t new, of course, but this ground-breaking conversion of an existing vessel opens up new possibilities for everyone. With environmental regulations set to tighten ever further in the foreseeable future, the success of this project is evidence for owners of ships operating in coastal waters and emission control areas that there is an alternative to scrapping old vessels and building a new one.”

The conversion has actually become part of an EU-supported campaign to advertise LNG propulsion in short-sea vessels running along the European Atlantic shore.