Vaneta Marie Advanced Cutter Suction Dredger for Calcasieu River Maintenance

Muddy Water Dredging, a leading marine projects company based in Orange, Texas, has taken delivery of the state-of-the-art Vaneta Marie. This advanced cutter suction dredger (CSD) was constructed by DSC Dredge in Reserve, Louisiana, to support maintenance and navigation in Louisiana’s vital Calcasieu River. The vessel combines innovation, efficiency, and adaptability to meet complex dredging requirements.

A Large Cutter Suction Dredger with Unmatched Capabilities

Impressive Size and Continuous Operation

The Vaneta Marie is among the largest CSDs ever built in the United States, measuring 371 feet (113 meters) in length. Designed for round-the-clock operation, it delivers a remarkable dredging width of 400 feet (120 meters) with an 80-degree swing arc. These capabilities enable it to clear the Calcasieu River in a single pass, ensuring uninterrupted boat traffic and operational efficiency.

Purpose-Built for the Calcasieu River

This massive dredger was specifically designed to handle the Calcasieu River’s maintenance needs. Its ability to complete dredging tasks without disrupting river traffic makes it an essential asset for maintaining one of Louisiana’s key waterways.

Customizable Design for Versatile Applications

Adaptability Through Innovative Features

The Vaneta Marie is built with a detachable carriage barge, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to different environments and project requirements. This flexibility is complemented by a high-performance underwater pump system and a high-torque cutter drive assembly, making it suitable for deep mining and dredging of aggregate deposits.

Environmentally Friendly Power Systems

Powering the dredger are Wabtec diesel generators delivering a combined output of 7,174 kW. These generators are equipped with exhaust gas recirculation systems to meet US EPA Tier IV emissions standards, eliminating the need for urea aftertreatment. This ensures compliance while minimizing environmental impact.

Enhanced Safety and Reliability

All dredging equipment is mounted on or above the main deck, reducing the risk of flooding from pump leaks. Additionally, active monitoring of hull tank voids ensures early detection of water intrusion, further enhancing operational safety.

Advanced Monitoring and Efficient Dredging

State-of-the-Art Monitoring Systems

The Vaneta Marie features DSC Dredge’s proprietary survey-grade and remote monitoring systems, enabling real-time oversight of dredging operations from shore. Its dredge quality management system ensures automatic and accurate reporting to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), simplifying compliance and performance tracking.

High-Efficiency Dredging Features

With a processing capacity of up to 2,000 cubic yards (1,500 cubic meters) per hour, the Vaneta Marie offers unparalleled dredging efficiency. Advanced features like a PLC operating system, magnetic flow meter, electro-proportional hydraulic circuits, and maximizer suction dilution valves provide operators with maximum flexibility and performance.

Simplified Maintenance and Disaster Readiness

Streamlined Maintenance for Maximum Uptime

The Vaneta Marie is equipped with powered lay-down spuds for efficient bridge transits. These spuds can be easily removed or replaced without the need for additional equipment, minimizing downtime and logistical requirements. Its dredge pump design aligns with USACE’s stringent Engineering and Design Manual standards, ensuring reliable and efficient performance.

Emergency Power Station Capability

Beyond its primary function, the Vaneta Marie is designed to act as an emergency power station during natural disasters like hurricanes. This unique feature allows the vessel to provide critical electrical support in disaster-stricken areas, ensuring resilience and rapid response during emergencies.

Comfortable and Functional Crew Facilities

Optimized Crew Amenities

The Vaneta Marie ensures crew comfort with modern facilities, including offices, a multi-purpose lounge that serves as a meeting room, and restrooms. These amenities provide a comfortable working environment for the crew during extended operations.

Why the Vaneta Marie Sets a New Standard

The Vaneta Marie represents a milestone in U.S. dredging technology. Combining size, efficiency, and adaptability, this cutter suction dredger is poised to maintain Louisiana’s waterways while supporting navigation and disaster relief efforts. Its innovative design and advanced capabilities make it a vital tool for both routine maintenance and emergency response.

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