Dredging optimism generated by €0.5bn in newbuild orders
Dutch specialist vessel builder IHC Merwede has recently won orders for dredging and offshore vessels and equipment to the value of more than €500m. This reinforces the group’s belief that there will be continued demand for its innovative vessels, advanced equipment and life cycle support.
The latest projects agreed and confirmed include three trailing suction hopper dredgers, one self propelled cutter suction dredger and four large IHC Beaver cutter dredgers.
IHC Merwede’s president Govert Hamers said, ‘These valuable new projects are in line with IHC Merwede’s outlook for 2010. The market which we operate in is showing clear signs of recovery. In such a climate, it is reassuring to know that IHC Merwede’s reputation as the technology innovator remains intact and our customers recognise the reliability and efficiency of our products and services. With these assignments, IHC Merwede has a strong work occupancy until 2012 and our flexibility allows us to take on even more work during that period.’
IHC Dredgers has acquired an assignment for two trailing suction hopper dredgers with a hopper capacity of 5,500m³ from the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI). These trailers will be built at one of IHC Merwede’s shipyards in The Netherlands, with the first vessel scheduled for completion in 2012. In addition, Belgian contractor DEME has ordered an 11,650m³ capacity trailing suction hopper dredger. To be named Breughel, the newbuild will be particularly suited for work in shallow water, as well as for maintaining harbours, coastal protection and land reclamation projects. The vessel will also be built at one of IHC Merwede’s shipyards in The Netherlands and is scheduled for completion in 2011.
DEME also placed an order for a jumbo self propelled cutter suction dredger. This new vessel, to be named Ambiorix, will be able to dredge to a water depth of approximately 35m. The Ambiorix will be one of the most powerful cutter suction dredgers in the world, suitable for working in heavy soil and rock.
The vessel will be equipped with two inboard dredge pumps and one submerged dredge pump on the cutter ladder. This cutter suction dredger will also feature a barge loading system which can load barges moored alongside. The flexible spud carrier includes a buffer system and other equipment which enables dredging under unfavourable weather conditions. The dredger will be built at one of IHC Merwede’s shipyards in The Netherlands and is scheduled for completion in 2012.
IHC Beaver Dredgers has sold various large standard cutters from the IHC Beaver range. An IHC Beaver 50, recently introduced and equipped with a Cutter Special Pump and other Equipment, and an IHC Beaver 6518 C will be used in Latin America. These cutters will be equipped with various additional installations, including an IHC dredging wheel (interchangeable with the cutter) for dredging clay.
An IHC Beaver 6518 C with an integrated flexible spud carrier will be delivered to the UAE in the Middle East. Earlier this year, the flexible spud carrier was thoroughly tested on the North Sea, where it was able to protect the spud pole against the force of the waves.
An IHC Beaver 1200 will contribute to the improved safety and development of Bangladesh’s coastal defences. This vessel will be used for deepening many waterways and creating new (higher) land. The IHC Beaver will be powered by a modern low emission diesel engine and will be completed with anchor booms and a profile monitoring installation.
