Netherlands-based Shipbuilder Royal IHC (IHC) has successfully launched its trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Easydredge 2700 at the MTG Dolphin shipyard in Varna, Bulgaria.
The 81.75m-long and 15.8m-wide vessel will be delivered with a ‘world-dredging’ package comprising bottom doors, a bow coupling and a dredging depth of 25m.
IHC said that this will allow the vessel to carry out tasks ranging from the maintenance of ports and channels to land reclamation.
IHC dredging division managing director Fer Tummers said: "The construction of the vessel is going well and is on schedule.
"We have been encouraged by the extensive interest from the market in our Easydredge range.
"Building a TSHD for stock has been a logical step forward for IHC and we are convinced that it will bring added value and benefits to our customers, including extremely short delivery times."
The vessel will have a loading capacity of 3,910t, a speed of 11.5k and be able to accommodate eight people during daytime.
It is expected for delivery in mid-2015.
Earlier this month, Royal IHC launched its 550t pipe-laying vessel, Seven Rio, built for Subsea 7 at its shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel, Netherlands.
The ship will be joined by Seven Cruzeiro and Seven Sun to complete the fleet, which have been contracted by Petrobras to operate in Brazilian waters.
Image: The new-build vessel Easydredge 2700 will be supplied with a world-dredging package. Photo: courtesy of Royal IHC.
