The Belgian Jan De Nul Group has signed a contract with Indian shipyard Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the construction of a next generation plug-in hybrid trailing suction hopper dredger, specifically designed to operate in small harbours.
With its 79m hull length, the new vessel will be the smallest of Jan De Nul Group’s hopper fleet. It has a hopper capacity of 2000m3. The present contract is for one vessel, with a delivery period of 24 months for the first ship, having an option to construct a second sister vessel.
Jan van de Velde, Director New Building, Jan De Nul Group said: “It’s a small hopper with big capabilities. Tailor-made to perform in small harbours, agile and flexible. With very big ambitions in the field of durability. As a DC hybrid plug-in the vessel is highly innovative, with a big potential to reduce our carbon footprint. Another added value to our versatile fleet.”
The new vessel is custom made to operate in small harbours in highly populated areas. It is designed to be highly manoeuvrable, very low in emissions and is almost silent.
B K Upadhyay, CMD, GSL said: “So far, GSL has exported defence platforms to various countries and has emerged as the largest exporter of defence platforms from India. This prestigious deal with a European client is a significant step to diversify ourselves into the global commercial shipbuilding market. With an excellent track record of execution and delivery, for which GSL is known for, I am confident that we will continue with our legacy of delivering high quality ships well within the delivery timelines.”
Image: Jan de Nul small trailing hopper suction dredger (source: Jan de Nul)
