New generation water injection dredgers
Dutch dredging and marine construction major Van Oord has ordered two of a new generation of water injection dredgers from the Kooiman Marine Group.
The new vessels will be multi-functional – with onboard systems which ensure optimal deployment. The first vessel is due to be commissioned in late 2020.
This new generation of versatile vessels will be capable of water injection dredging, mass flow and utilisation of power jetting systems. Heave compensation and dynamic positioning will enable dredging to be pre-programmed. High manoeuvrability combined with minimal draught make the vessels suitable for maintenance dredging in shallow harbours.
At the design stage, the energy management of both vessels was given special attention. A hybrid energy management system will allow the vessels to store energy from residual heat that is normally lost in batteries. This energy can subsequently be used for a variety of purposes, including propulsion. Diesel electric engines will reduce Co2 emissions, enabling the new vessels to comply with the new IMO Tier III legislation for reducing harmful NOx emissions and take account of EU Stage V legislation.
Meanwhile, Van Oord has signed a contract with North Norfolk District Council in the UK for the Bacton to Walcott Coastal Management (Sandscaping) Scheme, which is due to get underway this month.
The project milestones include the decommissioning of existing outfalls and installing a new outfall. To protect important infrastructure from flooding and to benefit local communities, sand will be placed on the beach off Bacton Gas Terminal, Bacton village and Walcott village. Van Oord will be deploying a large trailing suction hopper dredger and a backhoe dredger.
The project will create significantly bigger beaches, improved beach access and increase protection from the sea for the gas terminal and the villages of Bacton and Walcott. As part of the scheme, Van Oord will provide additional value to the villages through a number of initiatives, such as supporting local charities that have a sustainable impact on the community.
Commenting onthe scheme, Councillor Sarah Butikofer, leader of North Norfolk District Council said, “I am delighted we have got to this stage in this crucial project, which will help to provide additional protection to nationally important infrastructure and local villages, using the latest in modern technology and engineering.”
By Larz Bourne
