GLDD ATB hopper dredger
US based dredging company, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock (GLDD) has announced a contract with fellow US company, Signal International Inc, for the construction of a Articulated Tug and Barge (ATB) Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge.
The vessel, which is expected to cost around US$94m, will be built by Signal International, with an option to build an additional dredge.
GLDD says the design for the dredge introduced a new concept for hopper dredging in both deep and shallow waters, allowing for flexible operations. It will feature two 36 inch suction pipes and will be able to dredge at depths of up to 125ft.
The vessel will also be equipped with direct high power pump-ashore installation, hybrid power sharing configuration, dynamic positioning and tracking, EPA Tier III compliant engines and additional features to minimise the impact of its dredging process on the environment.
Klaas Kooiker, senior project manager, MARIN, said: “Having modelled and tested many of the world’s modern hopper dredge hull forms, we were very pleased to see the Great Lakes ATB hull achieve similar speed and power results. We believe this is the first ATB hull to equal ship performance capabilities.”
GLDD will use the vessel for channel deepening, maintenance dredging, beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects.
The vessel is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2014.
Related Articles
MARINE CONSTRUCTION
POWER & PROPULSION
ENVIRONMENT