Wärtsilä to Equip Environmentally-friendly Dredger

May 31, 2018

The new Damen dredger featuring Wärtsilä propulsion equipment will be one of the most environmentally sustainable vessels of its type. (Image: Wärtsilä)

Wärtsilä said it bagged a contract in March to provide the engines, propellers and control system for a new, large-size hopper dredger being built by the Netherlands-based shipbuilding company Damen Shipyards Group. The vessel has been ordered by Cemex UK, supplier of building materials.

Wärtsilä will prepare the engines ready for use with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to reduce emissions, making the vessel compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier III regulations. When delivered, the 103-meter-long, 4,975 gross tonnage dredger will be one of the most environmentally sustainable ships of its type in operation.

Wärtsilä’s scope of supply includes two Wärtsilä 26 engines, two Wärtsilä 4D775 controllable pitch propellers (CPP), and the Wärtsilä ProTouch control system. The Wärtsilä 26 engine is widely used in the dredger market, while the 4D775 CPP is a new and advanced offering. The Wärtsilä ProTouch system is a state-of-the-art response to market demands for a modern, compact control device. The equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the yard commencing at the end of 2018. The ship is expected to commence operations in the North Sea during the latter part of 2019.

“We are pleased and honored to be working with Damen in making this new ship as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. Wärtsilä has a depth of experience in providing solutions for dredging operations, and the propulsion equipment selected is the best fit for this vessel,” said Dick Heidelberg.

Olivier Marcus, Product Manager Dredging at Damen, said, “Wärtsilä were a logical choice for us to work with for the Marine Aggregate Dredger. Their reputation for quality and reliability is combined with a long-standing relationship with our client, Cemex. We are very pleased to be working together towards the delivery of the first Damen Marine Aggregate Dredger.”

Damen operates more than 50 shipyards, repair yards, and related companies worldwide. In recent years the company has ordered Wärtsilä propulsion machinery for newbuild cargo ships and research vessels.