Shoalbuster 2711 water injection dredge (WID) [Image: Damen Shipyards]
Associated British Ports subsidiary UK Dredging has positioned an order with Damen Shipyards for a Shoalbuster 2711 water injection dredge (WID). Based on a confirmed design, the vessel nonetheless represents a novel and progressive method to water injection dredging, enabling excessive effectivity and adaptability.
UK Dredging operates Britain’s largest dredging fleet. Amongst its vessels are various Damen dredges and workboats, together with two Multi Cat plow vessels. The firm’s scope is to undertake upkeep dredging in ABP’s ports. To do that, UK Dredging sometimes operates various hopper dredges.
A smaller water injection dredge will allow the corporate to increase the intervals in between hopper dredging operations and Damen has tailored the confirmed, customary design of the Shoalbuster 2711 particularly for this mission. This has included optimizing the vessel’s hull to swimsuit the position it’ll undertake. The vessel may even function a extremely environment friendly diesel-electric system that may facilitate a major discount in each gasoline consumption and emissions.
In place of the standard submersible jets, the Shoalbuster 2711 WID will use a subsequent technology, fully electric Damen E-DOP450 dredge pump. This, the most important in Damen’s dredge pump portfolio, has a 4,000 cubic meters per hour capability, guaranteeing optimum effectivity and low operational prices.
The vessel may even be geared up with an hydraulically operated A-frame. When not within the use, the A-frame will tilt, enabling the plow to be saved on the vessel’s aft.
Use of the E-DOP and A-frame will contribute to the vessel’s multi-functionality. When not in use, the plow together with pump, may be dismounted and saved on the quayside, leaving the vessel free to undertake different operations.
“We are very pleased to once more be working with UK Dredging,” stated Joppe Neijens, Damen gross sales supervisor dredging. “This innovative project demonstrates the versatility of the standardized 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.”
“The contract award for this Damen Shoalbuster 2711 WID is an important milestone for UK Dredging,” stated Mark Pearson, basic supervisor, UK Dredging. “The introduction of the WID into our fleet will enable us to offer our clients a number of different dredging techniques optimized 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.”
