ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY DREDGER PROPULSION

Finish technology group Wärtsilä will provide the engines, propellers, and control system for a new hopper dredger being built by Damen.

The vessel has been ordered by Cemex UK, a leading supplier of building materials. Wärtsilä will prepare the engines ready for use with IMO Tier III compliant selective catalytic reduction technology to reduce emissions. When delivered, Wärtsilä claims that the 103-metre long, 4975 gross tonnage dredger will be one of the most environmentally sustainable ships of its type in operation.

Wärtsilä’s full 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.