The keel of the 124.4m LOA vessel was laid down on 20 September last year and trials will commence in the autumn of this year, representing a remarkably short build time for a vessel of such size and complexity.

The design incorporates the latest knowledge of dredging technology, naval architecture, marine and electrical engineering, material and ICT & control technology to deliver a multi-functional tool which can work in weather conditions ranging from -20ºC to +45ºC.

Dredging can be carried out to depths of 35m even in relatively heavy sea states due to a cutter ladder designed with two pivot points, which enables self-adjustment from high to low position (or vice versa) on site. Maximum dredge pump power is 15,800kW, with one submerged dredge pump of 3,800kW mounted on the ladder and two more mounted inboard rated at 6,000kW each.

The vessel is equipped with a special barge loading system which by means of self-tensioning winches can load barges moored alongside. The 230 tonne spuds can be tilted from a horizontal to a vertical position and back in all operational depths. In addition to the standard hoisting system with winches, there is also an emergency hoisting system.

Cutting power of 6,000kW represents an increase of approximately 30% over cutters presently in use. Two propulsion engines rated at 3,800kW each will power this large vessel to a steaming speed of 12.5 knots.

The J.F.J. De Nul is built to the requirements of and under the supervision of Bureau Veritas for Class+I+Hull+Mach Dredger AUT-MS.

MJ Information No: 18420