In June 2023, Damen Shipyards signed a contract with Hegemann, a leading German dredging contractor, for the delivery of a state-of-the-art booster station. The new BS 500 booster station will be equipped with Damen’s proprietary Marine NOX Emission Reduction System, aligning with EU Stage V emissions standards. This significant upgrade is part of Hegemann’s continued commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Damen’s Marine NOX Emission Reduction System: A Game-Changer for Emission Control
The booster station’s Marine NOX Emission Reduction System is designed to minimize NOX and particle emissions while also providing noise reduction. The EU Stage V certified system will be installed on top of the booster station after the initial delivery. This innovative technology makes it easier for dredging contractors like Hegemann to meet stringent environmental regulations.
Fast-Tracked Delivery and Future Retrofitting
The BS 500 booster station was completed at Damen’s Dredging yard in record time. Although the booster station itself was ready in just a few weeks, the emission reduction system will be retrofitted later due to longer delivery times for the components.
The system’s retrofit capabilities highlight Damen’s flexibility in supporting sustainability upgrades. “Our Stage V Emission Reduction System is a practical add-on that can be retrofitted easily,” said Joppe Neijens, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards. “It will be mounted on the booster station’s container housing without any hassle.”
Technical Specifications of the Damen BS 500 Booster Station
The BS 500 booster station is a high-performance piece of equipment, designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern dredging operations.
Power and Capacity of the BS 500
The booster station is equipped with a 500-millimeter pipeline connection dredge pump powered by a Caterpillar 3512C engine. This 954-kilowatt diesel engine complies with IMO Tier II emission regulations, ensuring the station meets international standards for emissions control. The station boasts a pump production capacity of approximately 4,000 cubic meters per hour, making it ideal for large-scale dredging projects.
Deployment in Emden, Northern Germany
In early September 2023, the BS 500 booster station began operations in Emden, northern Germany. Connected to Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHD), the booster station enhances the discharge distance of sand cargo, significantly improving dredging efficiency.
Advanced Emission Control Technology: Reducing Environmental Impact
The booster station’s emission reduction system incorporates advanced technology designed to meet both IMO Tier III and EU Stage V emission standards.
SCR NOX Reduction and DPF Particle Reduction
The system integrates a silencer that combines Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for NOX emissions and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) technology for particle emissions. Together, these technologies achieve a reduction efficiency of more than 75%. This modular system is one of Damen’s key innovations aimed at promoting more sustainable dredging operations.
Hegemann’s Commitment to Sustainable Operations
This BS 500 booster station is the latest addition to Hegemann’s fleet of Damen dredging equipment. Several of Hegemann’s Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers are already equipped with Damen solutions. Additionally, the company received two BS 350 booster stations from Damen a few years ago.
Investing in a Greener Future
“We are delighted with the delivery of the new booster station,” said Martin Janßen, Head of Inspection at Hegemann. “Our investment in Damen’s Marine NOX Emission Reduction System reflects our dedication to responsible and sustainable dredging operations.”
Conclusion: Damen and Hegemann Pave the Way for Greener Dredging
The partnership between Damen Shipyards and Hegemann is a testament to the growing emphasis on sustainability within the dredging industry. The BS 500 booster station, with its cutting-edge NOX emission reduction system, not only enhances Hegemann’s operational capabilities but also demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Key Features of the Damen BS 500 Booster Station
- 500mm pipeline connection dredge pump
- Powered by a 954 kW Caterpillar 3512C engine
- Compliance with IMO Tier II emissions standards
- Pump capacity of 4,000 m3/h
- EU Stage V certified Marine NOX Emission Reduction System
By integrating such advanced technologies, both Damen and Hegemann are setting a new standard for environmentally responsible dredging operations.