The contract for the two newbuildings was signed with the private German shipyard J.J.Sietas in Hamburg. The vessels are for delivery Autumn 2010 and Spring 2011. Möbius told MJ a double digit sum running into the 'millions' of Euros was being spent, but would not be more specific.

The new hopper dredgers will each have a hold volume of 5,550 cu/m and be suitable for deepening and maintaining shipping channels, port dredging and land reclamation. Möbius said they were a new Type 180 dredger and would be very innovative. Although no dimensions were immediately available a released drawing stipulated a dredging draught of 6.8 m.

The vessels will be diesel electric powered and boast a new type of power management system which will control generators and electric engines such as those used in propulsion, or in driving the dredge pump, to minimize fuel consumption, wear and tear, and emissions.

The company said 'long years of experience' at Möbius and Vosta LMG hade gone into the development of the Type 180, adding that Sietas had been chosen because it builds special ships, including a wide range of container and heavy duty ships as well as several types of self-unloading vessels, including those for the transport of rocks and chippings.

Möbius said after completion of its two dredgers, 'Sietas is planning to go on building hopper suction dredgers', but stressed that Möbius was not involved in any concrete negotiations for further ships.