Netherlands-based Royal IHC has signed a contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) to build a 97.5m long highly automated medium-class hopper dredger for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Building on previous successful collaborations, Royal IHC and ESG will deliver a vessel which is said to push the boundaries of dredging efficiency and performance. The new dredger will enter the USACE’s Ready Reserve Fleet and will play a critical role in the Corps’ navigation mission and provide for safe, reliable, effective, and environmentally sustainable waterborne transportation systems for vital national security, commerce, and recreation needs. The vessel will replace the 57-year-old McFarland based in the Corps’ Philadelphia District. The McFarland is one of four oceangoing hopper dredgers owned and operated by USACE.
Leo van Ingen, Area Sales Director Royal IHC said: “The hopper dredge is designed to meet and exceed the mission-based operational requirements of USACE and features one of the most advanced configurations ever developed by Royal IHC.”
Royal IHC’s bulbous bow design is the basis for a relatively high maximum hopper capacity of 4,600m3, given the maximum vessel dimension requirements. Combined with optimum dredging efficiency, this results in significant fuel savings. The hopper can be fully loaded with medium fine sand in less than 45 minutes, and the available dredge pump power, together with the latest high efficiency dredge pumps, almost halves the desired discharge time.
Van Ingen added: “Another special feature of this hopper dredge is the high level of automation on board. For example, the Integrated Forward-Looking Sonar System, Dynamic Positioning and Dynamic Tracking in close concert with Dredging Assist capabilities. This concept can advise and assist the dredge master on the best dredging techniques and improve overall efficiency by integrating various dredging automation systems. In addition, with the ECO Package, the USACE’s new hopper dredge can load up to 15% more energy efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact.”
Unique to this dredger is the use of the Dredging Assist for executing dredging tasks. This system initiates the lowering and lifting of the suction pipes, unloading the soil through the bottom doors, the activation of the required dredge pumps and jet pumps, taking account of the desired valve configuration, auxiliary equipment and automatic controllers. All of these tasks can be executed fully autonomously in a human-in-the-loop responsibility (approval of the dredge master).
The Cutterspecial pump was selected from Royal IHC’s range of dredge pumps to maximise the operational efficiency of this hopper. The proven dredge pump has a robust design and is specifically developed for passage of large obstacles. Both pumps are equipped with Royal IHC’s Curve impellers, a patented design, offering a high level of efficiency and durability.
The environmental impact of the new vessel is reduced by the patented Plumigator overflow, which reduces the release of air under and around the vessel caused by the overflow discharge plume. In addition, Royal IHC’s selected drag heads are designed for both efficiency and interchangeability. All main equipment is designed with maximum efficiency to ensure continuous operation even under extreme conditions. The stringent requirements for the dredging vessel as part of the Ready Reserve Fleet demand this.
