First Damen Electric Cutter Suction Dredger
The Damen Shipyards Group has revealed its first Electric Cutter Suction Dredger, the ECSD 650.
Electric motors powering the dredging system makes zero emissions dredging projects possible. Te electric power provides a significant reduction in noise, adding an extra tier of sustainability and ensuring the dredger’s suitability for projects in densely populated and environmentally sensitive areas.
The ECSD is a modular dredger based on Damen’s successful standardised shipbuilding philosophy. It is dismountable for transportation and easy to assemble in remote locations. Due to the standardisation of the design, Damen was able to quickly produce this sustainable product by simply exchanging diesel motors for electric ones, without the need for re-engineering. Standardisation also helps for easy adaptation of the ECSD to suit local power supplies.
On a conventional CSD 650, the rear side pontoons serve only to provide buoyancy. On the ECSD 650, the starboard side pontoon becomes an electrical nerve centre. The low voltage power system makes for easy maintenance and there is no requirement for special crew training. The associated reduction in vibration while dredging makes life more comfortable for those on board.
Damen sales manager Sjoerd de Bruijn said: “The ECSD is just one example of the products and services that Damen is pioneering as we fix our focus on our goal, to be the most sustainable shipbuilder. Our role is not just to build electric vessels. As integrator we provide the connection, linking and aligning stakeholders from industry and academia. In this way we build a knowledge network that encourages the wider development of sustainable solutions and ensures the long-term viability of the maritime industry.”
Damen’s work on vessel electrification falls under its so-called E3 umbrella: Environmentally friendly, Efficient in operation, and Economically viable. The shipyards group is currently working on a number of projects for other electric vessels, including ferries and tugs.
This includes seven fully electric Damen Ferries 2306 E3 for the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. These ferries have a completely emission free propulsion system which will reduce the total emissions of public transport in the city by 2.5% for CO2, 10% for NOx and 66% for particulate matter. Damen is also building two road ferries which will operate in Ontario, Canada. They will be the first fully electric ferries to operate in North America.
By Larz Bourne
