The design parameters in all cases include heavier construction than required by class rules, all systems on board can be operated continuously and simultaneously, all systems and components are of a proven design (for example, all engines are Caterpillar), and there is a comfortable, ergonomic cabin.

The well researched heavy duty design can be easily adapted to specific operational requirements, for which a wide range of optional equipment is available. This includes a spud carriage pontoon, anchor booms, a generator, and advanced dredging instrumentation.

The fully engineered packages can be delivered to local shipyards anywhere in the world.

Damen Dredging Equipment supplies all drawings as well as the major components while Damen Field Service provides technical assistance.

One such package has recently been completed at the Ben Kien shipyard at Hai Phong in Vietnam. The CZ450 named HP05 has been handed over to Hanoi based MCC and has been assigned to maintenance dredging duties in Hai Phong harbour. It will occasionally be diverted to sand winning duties further along the Vietnam coast, where it is likely to meet Cuu Long , built by Damen for the same customer in 1999.

The 24.5m LOA HP05 wasbuilt to Bureau Veritas rules and will dredge happily in inland waters to a depth of 14m. A 746 kW Caterpillar diesel drives the Damen dredge pump and a 345 kW auxiliary Caterpillar powers the generator and hydraulic installation. Dredging instrumentation includes a dredging depth indicator and vacuum and pressure indicators for the dredge pump.

Both Damen Dredging Equipment and Damen Technical Cooperation were involved in the delivery of a fairly complete knock down package to the Ben Kien yard.

This consisted of the entire engineering, the dredge pump, diesel engines and gearboxes, as well as the electrical and pre-fabricated hydraulic installations.

MJ Information No: 19541