Versatile dredger addresses tsunami legacy

The type CSD200 dredger is equipped with both cutter suction dredging capability and a grab crane. It can be transported over land on its own trailer, and is self propelled in the water. This unusual combination of features enables it to work in the many and varied small fishery harbours along the coast, restoring depths and removing tsunami debris.

The Waluka Tharani works to a maximum dredging depth of 5m, its cutter head generating 15kW of maximum cutter power. The type BP 1815 dredge pump is driven by a 138kW diesel engine and works delivers through up to 800m of 200mm internal diameter floating pipeline.

The new dredger has been fully adapted to the local circumstances. Transportability by road was a key consideration so the vessel was kept small enough for that to be possible allowing it to visit the many small fishery harbours long the Sri Lanka coast. Once afloat, the dredger manoeuvres itself using its own propulsion and does not require assistance from other vessels. The versatility delivered by equipping the vessel with a small grab crane optimises it usefulness in circumstances where both dredging and debris removal are required.

The dredger was handed over at an official ceremony to the director of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation. He was pleased to see the complete dredging package ready for shipment to his country, where it will eliminate many of the lingering consequences of the tsunami which have prevented local fishing communities from returning to full health.