Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with UK Dredging, part of Associated British Ports (ABP), to deliver a Shoalbuster 2711 Water Injection Dredger (WID).
Enhancing Efficiency with Water Injection Dredger
UK Dredging operates Britain’s largest dredging fleet. Several Damen dredgers and workboats are among its vessels, including two Multi Cat Plough Vessels. The company’s scope is to undertake maintenance dredging in ABP’s ports. To do this, UK Dredging typically operates several hopper dredgers.
A smaller water injection dredger will enable the company to extend the intervals between hopper dredging operations, thereby considerably increasing efficiency. Damen has adapted the proven, standard design of the Shoalbuster 2711 specifically for this project. This has included optimizing the vessel’s hull to suit the role it will undertake. The vessel will also feature a highly efficient diesel-electric system that will significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Innovative Features for Multi-Functionality
The Shoalbuster 2711 WID will use a next-generation, fully electric Damen E-DOP450 dredge pump instead of the usual submersible jets. This, the largest in Damen’s dredge pump portfolio, has a 4,000m3/h capacity, ensuring optimal efficiency and low operational costs.
The vessel will also be equipped with a hydraulically operated A-frame. When not in use, the A-frame will tilt, enabling the plow to be stored on the vessel’s aft.
Use of the E-DOP and A-frame contributes significantly to the vessel’s multi-functionality; when not in use, the plow, including the pump, can be dismounted and stored on the quayside, leaving the vessel free to undertake other operations.
Commitment to Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness
Joppe Neijens, Damen Sales Manager Dredging, said, “We are very pleased to be working with UK Dredging once more. 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.”
Mark Pearson, General Manager, UK Dredging, said, “The Contract Award of this Damen Shoalbuster 2711 WID is an important milestone for UK Dredging. The introduction of WID into our fleet will enable us to offer our clients a number of different dredging techniques optimized for 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.”