Damen sidelines Covid for Hanson newbuild

The vessel, Hanson Thames, is capable of extracting marine dredged aggregates from depths of up to 55m and has been designed to ensure safe, comfortable operation even in adverse conditions by the positioning of all dredge pipes above main deck. The equipment itself is protected by the MAD design’s enclosed bow. The innovative design provides increased payload and efficiency, which will allow it to carry up to 7,000 tonnes of marine aggregate per voyage, as well as delivering improved fuel consumption and operational and maintenance savings. The MAD 3500 model specifically aims to achieve an optimal balance between payload and efficiency with the limited ship dimensions required for the vessel to traverse Shoreham Lock on the UK south coast. Hanson Thames will undertake offshore aggregate extraction in the North Sea and English Channel.

Hanson CEO Simon Willis said: “The introduction of the new MAD forms part of our strategy to replace our existing ageing dredgers which supply essential sand and gravel to ready-mixed concrete, concrete block and aggregate bagging plants.

“Coordinated teamwork and Damen’s robust approach to safety have been instrumental in ensuring production continued during the Covid 19 pandemic so its launch could be completed.”

For Damen, Covid 19 arrived during a critical stage of production. To ensure the safe continuity of its business operations around the world, the vessel builder has taken numerous measures at its yards and offices.

Damen sales manager Joppe Neijens said: “Throughout the pandemic our number one priority has been the safety and wellbeing of our personnel, our co-workers and the communities in which we work. However, by combining a robust approach to safety measures with coordinated teamwork, we have been able to continue production. The measures we have taken include strict hygiene and disinfection routines and the establishment of shift teams to ensure maximum distance between people working whilst at the same time keeping to schedule.”

Following the September launch Damen will complete work on the vessel and undertake commissioning, including the dredge equipment and screening installation from Damen Dredging Equipment and a dry unloading system from PLM Cranes.

By Larz Bourne