Damen signs with UK firm to build new dredger

Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with UK Dredging to deliver a Shoalbuster 2711 Water Injection Dredger (WID).

Part of Associated British Ports (ABP), UK Dredging operates Britain’s largest dredging fleet, with a number of Damen dredgers and workboats in its ranks.

“We are very pleased to once more be working with UK Dredging,” says Joppe Neijens, Damen sales manager dredging. “This innovative project demonstrates the versatility of the standardised shipbuilding approach; even though the vessel is built in series it can be adapted to meet the needs of the customer.

“The Shoalbuster 2711 WID is an extremely versatile vessel with an operating profile that goes way beyond its primary function. It’s also a very efficient vessel that offers a leap forward in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness in operation – a good concept for now and for the future.”

UK Dredging says this smaller water injection dredger will enable it to extend the intervals in between hopper dredging operations, therefore considerably increasing efficiency, with Damen having adapted the standard design of the Shoalbuster 2711 specifically for this project.

Mark Pearson, general manager at UK Dredging, comments: “The contract award of this Damen Shoalbuster 2711 WID is an important milestone for UK Dredging. The introduction of WID into our fleet will enable us to offer our clients a number of different dredging techniques optimised for the local conditions.

“The vessel’s highly efficient diesel-electric propulsion and power system will help to achieve a significant reduction in both fuel consumption and emissions that are important steps towards reducing UK Dredging’s carbon footprint.”

The adaptation included optimising the vessel’s hull to suit the role it will undertake. In place of the usual submersible jets, the Shoalbuster 2711 WID will use a fully electric Damen E-DOP450 dredge pump with a 4,000m3/h capacity, ensuring optimal efficiency and low operational costs. 

The vessel will also be equipped with an hydraulically operated A-frame which will tilt when not in the use, enabling the plough to be stored at the stern of the vessel.

Last month (July 2023) Damen entered a strategic partnership with Lazarus Industriförvaltning to expand its presence in the Swedish market.