Royal IHC (IHC) and National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) have signed a contract for the construction of the first custom[ds_preview]-built state-of-the-art trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) in the Gulf area. The contract was signed at NMDC’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 9 March 2016 by Yasser Zaghloul, CEO NMDC and Bram Roelse, CEO IHC.
The new hopper dredger will have a capacity of 6,000m3 and will form a part of NMDC’s international growth and fleet investment strategy, which is aimed at positioning the company as a leader in the industry. The design is the result of close cooperation between IHC and NMDC. It is a tailor-made solution that combines shallow draft and a large dredging depth with high manoeuvrability, and was specifically designed for operating in high temperatures, the shipbuilding company stated. The design features one main bridge and a forward looking multi beam survey system.
The order also includes a full life-cycle support program in combination with condition-based monitoring, which is intended to ensure the long and sustainable operation of the vessel. IHC will also provide training for NMDC’s crew.
