The goal of energy savings had far-reaching implications for the design of the ship. As a consequence, unusual solutions were required in terms of the use of space. These resulted in the decision to install direct propulsion for the dredge and jet pumps. The decision to use the converging twin gondola concept for the stern in this type of ship is an innovative step."

The 97.7m long Waterway, with its shallow 7m draught and 4,900m 3loading capacity, has been especially designed to carry out onshore and foreshore beach replenishment as well as dredging and maintenance work in shallow water. Such work generally involves silt, sand, gravel and soft clay. Dredging these heavy, densely packed materials is possible because the ship is provided with a powerful jet-water installation.

The Waterway is also equipped for the desalination of sea sand.

Boskalis will deploy the Waterway primarily for dredging operations involving short and medium range distances. The vessel will soon be sent to Nigeria, where it will reclaim a 72 hectare parcel of land for the construction of a gas to liquids plant in Delta State.

MJ information No: 17113