Vasco De Gama Launched For Jan De Nul
Proceeding 19 months of construction time, the suction dredger Vasco de Gama - with a hold of 33,000 cu. m. — was launched at the Thyssen Nordseewerke construction yard on November 5, 1999. Owned by the Jan de Nul Group, the dredger, which is the largest in the world, will be utilized for international land reclamation projects. Krupp Fordertechnik GmbH supplied the dredging systems and components. Before being passed over to its owner during 2000, the dredger is scheduled to carry out high-performance dredging operations.
Maintaining Integrity
Despite what could be best termed as difficult operating conditions, the German maritime market has persevered through its collective adherence to the principles which propelled it to the lead of the maritime construction and outfitting markets: a steadfast adherence to producing technologically correct and advanced vessels, products and systems. The challenges facing the German maritime market are not unlike those facing many of its European colleagues and competitors, or those facing industrial operations in any of the world's leading economies. The proliferation of lower-cost shipbuilding, ship repair and marine equipment supply options outside of Europe, particularly in Asia, has led to a significant drain on business emanating from and dollars flowing to the German homeland.
