The Emerald Duchess, a £23 million investment by PD Ports, was officially named at a celebratory event at Teesport. This vessel is set to play a crucial role in maintaining the navigability of the River Tees for years to come.
The Naming Ceremony of the Emerald Duchess
The christening ceremony of the Emerald Duchess took place on the banks of the River Tees, following maritime tradition to bring luck to the vessel and its crew. More than 250 attendees, including members of Teesside’s river community, business leaders, education figures, and maritime experts, gathered to witness this important occasion.
Sue Green: Godmother of the Emerald Duchess
Who is Sue Green?
The vessel’s godmother, Sue Green, has served PD Ports for nearly 40 years as the Harbour Master’s secretary. In her tenure, she has supported a diverse range of stakeholders who work on and around the River Tees.
During the christening, held at Teesport’s Ro-Ro terminal, Sue Green performed the traditional champagne bottle smash on the hull of the Emerald Duchess. The event also included a blessing from Deacon Peter Barrigan, the port chaplain, ensuring good fortune for the vessel and its crew.
A Significant Investment in Teesport’s Future
The Emerald Duchess, constructed by Dutch shipbuilder Neptune, symbolizes PD Ports’ commitment to both economic growth and environmental sustainability in the Tees region. As a state-of-the-art vessel, it will support daily dredging activities vital to maintaining the river’s safety and navigability.
The Role of the Emerald Duchess in Dredging Operations
Why Dredging is Crucial for the River Tees
Dredging on the River Tees is essential to keeping the waterway clear and safe for the thousands of vessels that navigate it each year. Without these operations, the river would quickly become impassable, which would negatively impact regional trade and industry.
Future-Proof Technology for Sustainability
Innovative Power Systems on Board
The Emerald Duchess has been designed with sustainability in mind. Its cutting-edge intelligent power management system includes a battery pack with the power equivalent of 10 Tesla cars. The vessel also operates on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel, which significantly reduces its environmental impact.
Ready for Future Fuel Innovations
One of the most forward-thinking aspects of the Emerald Duchess is its ability to adapt to future fuel technologies. Hatches above the engine room allow power units to be swapped out for modern fuel cells as technology evolves. The vessel is prepared to eventually run on methanol or ethanol fuel, which will allow it to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions.
A Lifespan of 50 Years
The Emerald Duchess is expected to serve the Tees for up to 50 years. With a capacity to carry 2,500 tonnes and store up to 2,000 cubic meters of dredged material, this vessel is crucial for the long-term sustainability of Teesport’s operations.
The Crew: All-Teessiders Onboard
The Emerald Duchess is crewed entirely by a team of Teessiders, who have already been conducting trials on the river ahead of the vessel’s official deployment. This local crew will be responsible for ensuring the ongoing success of dredging activities on the Tees.
PD Ports’ Commitment to Sustainability
A Message from CEO Frans Calje
During the ceremony, PD Ports Chief Executive Officer Frans Calje spoke about the vessel’s advanced technology and the company’s dedication to sustainability. “The Emerald Duchess is a state-of-the-art vessel, incorporating technology not yet widely found in the UK. It’s green not only in color but in the core of its design, reflecting our commitment to long-term, sustainable decisions,” Calje said.
He added, “Without dredging, the River Tees would become unnavigable in a matter of days, halting a significant portion of the region’s trade and industrial activity. This vessel is our investment in the region’s future.”
Sue Green Reflects on Her Career
Honored to Be the Godmother of the Emerald Duchess
Sue Green shared her thoughts during the ceremony, reflecting on her 42 years of service on the River Tees. “I’ve seen many vessels arrive and eventually sail off into the sunset after completing their service, but the Emerald Duchess holds a special place for me. It’s an honor to be named her godmother, and I look forward to seeing her active on the river, knowing I have a connection to her.”
Supporting the Next Generation
As part of PD Ports’ dedication to supporting the community, students from Stockton Riverside College in catering, aviation, and business helped facilitate the event. This initiative is part of PD Ports’ broader commitment to providing meaningful work experiences for young people in the region.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for the River Tees
The Emerald Duchess is more than just a vessel—it’s a symbol of PD Ports’ commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the future prosperity of the River Tees. With its state-of-the-art technology and future-ready design, the Emerald Duchess will play a crucial role in keeping the river safe, navigable, and environmentally sound for the next 50 years.