The Maritime Office in Gdynia, located in northern Poland, has recently enhanced its fleet with the acquisition of a new trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD). This advanced vessel, named Ursa, was constructed by the renowned Finnish shipyard Tyovene and designed by C-Job Naval Architects from the Netherlands. The new TSHD is built to excel in both deep and shallow waters, significantly boosting the maritime capabilities of the region.
Advanced Design and Specifications
Steel Hull and Impressive Dimensions
Ursa boasts a robust steel hull, measuring 62.75 meters in length, providing the necessary durability and strength for demanding dredging operations. The vessel features a spacious hopper with a capacity of 950 cubic meters, allowing it to transport large volumes of dredged material efficiently.
Dredging Capabilities and Equipment
Equipped with state-of-the-art dredging equipment from Holland Marine Technologies, including a sophisticated suction drag arm, Ursa can perform dredging operations at water depths of up to 18 meters. This capability ensures that it can handle a wide range of dredging projects, from deep-water channels to shallow coastal areas.
Key Roles and Functions
Maintaining the Main Waterway
The primary mission of Ursa is to preserve and maintain the main waterway between the Gulf of Gdansk, the Vistula Lagoon, and the Elbląg River. This crucial waterway supports significant commercial and recreational traffic, making its maintenance essential for regional economic activities.
Supporting Smaller Ports
In addition to its primary role, Ursa will also be instrumental in maintaining the track depth parameters of smaller ports within the Vistula Lagoon. This ensures that these ports remain accessible and functional for various vessels, supporting local maritime industries and communities.
Innovative Design for Navigation
Wheelhouse and Accommodation Placement
One of the standout features of Ursa’s design is the strategic placement of its wheelhouse and accommodation at the front of the vessel. This design choice enables the TSHD to safely pass underneath the Trasa Unii Europejskiej bridge, which is a critical navigation route in the region.
Enhancing Maritime Infrastructure in Poland
The acquisition of Ursa represents a significant investment in Poland’s maritime infrastructure. By enhancing the capabilities of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, the new TSHD will contribute to the efficient maintenance and improvement of vital waterways and ports. This, in turn, supports the region’s economic growth and maritime activities.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Ursa trailing suction hopper dredger marks a notable advancement for the Maritime Office in Gdynia. With its advanced design, robust capabilities, and strategic role in maintaining key waterways, Ursa is set to play a pivotal role in supporting Poland’s maritime infrastructure and economic development. The acquisition underscores the commitment of the Polish maritime authorities to enhance their operational efficiency and ensure the smooth functioning of their navigational routes and ports.