A supply order has been signed for three sets of steering and rudder systems for three dual-fuelled trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs).
Damen Marine Components (DMC) will supply the systems for the 138m long TSHDs, currently being built at Keppel Offshore & Marine’s shipyard in Singapore for Van Oord. Each vessel will have a hopper capacity of 10,500 cubic metres, two Van der Velden COMMANDER piston-type steering systems and two Van der Velden MASTER Rudders with fish-tail design bulb.
The COMMANDER piston-type has an in-house cylinder design and is available in a range of options. Consequently, the installation process is efficient and the amount of space required is reduced.
The MASTER Rudder offers high manoeuvrability and has a specifically designed, high performance, fish tail profile that can be optimised to suit a wide range of vessels. The absence of movable parts makes it ideal for vessels operating in shallow waters. The rudders for Van Oord’s TSHDs will have an area of approximately 14m2, be class approved by Bureau Veritas for speeds of up to 15 knots and generate a torque of 270kNm.
With rudder angles of up to 65 degrees, MASTER Rudders offer high lift. Each rudder will be executed with rudder bulb. This improves the propeller wake field, thereby saving energy and reducing fuel consumption, This also increases thrust at higher loads.
The first two vessels are due for delivery in 2021.
DMC and Van der Velden Marine Systems merged in January 2018. The two companies are now operating together as DMC.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
