European expertise for Bangladesh newbuilds
In late 2008 a joint venture was formed between the Netherlands based VOSTA LMG and the Bangladesh Karnafuly Shipyard to build three CSD450 cutter suction dredgers for the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.
At the same time construction was underway with regards to an agreement that had been signed with the Bangladesh Water Development Board for two CSD650 cutter suction dredgers under the same joint venture.
Both of the larger dredges were delivered in mid-2012. With an overall length of 60m on a 35m hull, the vessels’ cutter suction heads and arms are capable of working to depths of 18m.
Under the joint venture some pre-built components, including engines, hydraulics systems, dredge pumps, and dredge equipment, were shipped from the Netherlands. The hulls and vessel structures were fabricated under supervision of a VOSTA LMG on-site team in the Karnafuly Shipyard, with engineering designs provided by VOSTA LMG.
The dredger hull is not self-propelled. However, it does carry a number of powerful diesel engines. The dredge pump on each vessel is powered by a Cummins QSK60-M HPI producing 1,864 kW (2500 hp) at 1,900 rpm. A Cummins KTA50-D(M1) producing 1,007 kW (1,367 bhp) at 1,500 rpm powers the vessels’ hydraulic systems. Auxiliary power for each dredger is provided by a Cummins 6B-CP80-DM-powered 100 kVA/80wEe @ 50 Hz generator.
The dredgers, with air draft of only 7m to assure passage under bridges, are fitted with VOSTA LMG spud carriers as well as swivel bend and anchor booms. Suitable discharge piping for spoils was included in each production package.
The successful delivery of these complex dredgers proves the efficiency of the joint venture, that shares European engineering expertise with local building skills. Bangladesh, with its huge maze of shallow water ports with river and marine passageways, stands to benefit as a result.
