Jan de Nul’s hybrid hopper dredger electrical package

The contract includes the supply of a DC-grid, electric motors, generators, and a state-of-the-art battery system to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

“A DC-grid configuration provides significant benefits, especially for payload-based vessels like dredgers,” said Marcel Bakker, sales & proposal manager at Bakker Sliedrecht.

“It offers 40% space and weight savings compared to AC grids, with lower energy losses, increasing fuel efficiency and reliability.”

Increased efficiency

The hybrid power plant features Bakker Sliedrecht’s in-house developed DC-power management system, optimising the balance between the battery and generator sets.

It improves the vessel’s fuel efficiency by utilising functionalities like peak shaving, ramp rate control and spinning reserve. 

The electrical system is designed to meet Jan de Nul’s goals to limit emissions and noise level as much as possible.

It is one of many initiatives in support of their ambition to reduce the company’s greenhouse emissions with 40% by 2035, in line with the Paris Agreement.

Bakker Sliedrecht’s expertise in hybrid power solutions further strengthens its role in driving sustainable innovation within the dredging industry.

The contract with Jan De Nul follows the recent successful delivery of a comparable DC-electric power plant combined with a battery system for another trailing suction hopper dredger.