It is the largest order of its kind from a dredging company since Seatools was established in 1999. According to Seatools managing director Jan Frumau, the contract award stems from the fact that Seatools, as an underwater specialist, has considerable experience and affinity with dredging technology. He said, ‘We selected the sensors in close consultation with Jan De Nul and, with them, looked at adaptations and improvements. This will be a customised product. A specific sensor package has been put together for each of the seven ships.’

The rugged Rotax HD sensors are designed for underwater service in depths up to 3,000 msw. The sensor’s shaft has a three step radial seal for long life. The housing is oil-filled and pressure-compensated. The brand new Sinclino 200 is a single axis inclinometer, specifically designed for harsh environments and thus very suitable for dredging operations. It is laid out for operating depths up to 200 msw. The built in transmitter is available in ranges from ±10° to ±180°, with an accuracy of better than 0.1 deg.

Delivery of the sensors is scheduled between October 2007 and December 2009 for the two 46,000 m3 mega hopper dredgers, which are now under construction in Sestao, Spain; for two 7,500 m3 hopper dredgers under construction in Busan, South Korea; and for three 23,520 kW, self-propelled cutter suction dredgers being built in Pula, Croatia.