Royal IHC officially handed over the cutter suction dredger Mohab Mameesh to the Suez Canal Authority at ceremonies in Rotterdam last month.

Mohab Mameesh is seen during commissioning tests in the Harringvliet

The vessel is now ready for its official duties after successfully completing commissioning tests on the Dutch coast and in the Harringvliet inlet.

With an installed power of 29,190kW, the heavy duty rock cutting vessel gives the SCA one of the most powerful cutter suction dredgers in the world. The 147.4m LOA Mohab Mameesh features 4,800kW of cutting power and can work to a depth of 35m. Onboard accommodation facilities can house more than 70 people.

Mohab Mameesh will primarily be deployed to maintain and improve the artificial sea level area connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas. It was designed in close cooperation between Royal IHC and the SCA to ensure the capacity to work effectively in the harsh conditions it will encounter.

The new cutter suction dredger will be transported from Rotterdam to the Suez Canal onboard a semi-submersible cargo ship. Its sister ship Hussein Tantawy is expected to commence sea trials in the next few months.

The SCA's CEO and managing director, Admiral Osama Rabie said: "The Mohab Mameesh is a truly impressive vessel and many people are enthusiastic to see it performing live operations as soon as possible. We expect to achieve incredible results for many years to come."

Royal IHC CEO Gerben Eggink added: "A great deal of hard work and dedication has led to this moment and many people will feel deep satisfaction at seeing the final result."

By Larz Bourne