Dutch maritime technology supplier Royal IHC has signed a contract with Karnafuly Ship Builders (KSBL) in Bangladesh to design, engineer and provide the hardware for four cutter suction dredgers (CSDs).
The dredgers will be built for the country’s Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), and Royal IHC will also provide yard assistance for the installation, testing and commissioning of the equipment and the dredgers.
Two of the CSDs will be 600mm, at 53.5m long by 10m wide and with a dredging depth of 17 metres.
The other two will be 700mm, 73.5m x 14m in size and with a dredging depth of 20 metres.
Royal IHC’s work in Bangladesh goes back more than half a century. Its dredging expertise is vital for the monsoonal country, which is regularly afflicted by flooding and drought.
“We have been collaborating with government bodies in Bangladesh, such as BIWTA, since 1971, providing our vessels, equipment and expertise to help Bangladesh fight the constant battle against flooding and keep its waterways navigable in dry season,” said Ronald van Son, director Dredging Custom Vessels with Royal IHC.
”Becoming the technical partner of KSBL in the construction of these four CDSs is a confirmation of the close and long-standing relationship with the dredging industry in Bangladesh and our added value in overcoming challenges caused by the monsoons.”
Royal IHC says it has delivered more than 100 standard modular dredging vessels (Beaver), workboats and booster stations to the Bangladesh private and public sector in the past half century.
