Adele is a next-generation trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) commissioned by Dutra Group, a US-based heavy civil marine construction company.
Scheduled for delivery in 2028, Adele is being constructed by Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) at its Allanton and Port St Joe facilities in Florida.
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The vessel will join Dutra’s existing TSHD, Stuyvesant, and is designed to serve the maritime infrastructure needs in the US and strengthen domestic maritime capabilities.
Adele will provide low-cost dredging services, including maintenance dredging, channel deepening, restoration, storm recovery, and beach nourishment projects.
Adele trailing suction hopper dredger design details
Adele is based on Royal IHC’s Beagle© design, which is known for its modularity and adaptability.
The IHC Beagle® Mk2 is a twin screw trailing suction hopper dredge with an installed power of 13,290hp.
The vessel measures 347ft (107.76m) in length and 79.5ft (24.23m) in width and has a depth of 37ft (11.27m). It has a total loaded draft of 26.9ft (8.2m) and a hopper capacity of 10,464yd³ (8,000m³).
Adele features a V-shaped cross-section and a hull designed with a bulbous bow to lower drag and enhance fuel efficiency.
The vessel is provided with a single row of bottom doors to enable efficient offloading of dredged material. It also features a bow-mounted connection to support pumping for offloading material to shorelines and wetlands.
The Beagle design also allows for future technological upgrades, ensuring Adele remains updated with the latest innovations in dredging.
Facilities and equipment onboard Adele
Adele’s accommodation deckhouse and wheelhouse are located on the fore ship, including separate navigation and dredging consoles in the wheelhouse, providing optimal visibility for both navigation and dredging operations.
The ergonomically designed hopper control chair places all dredging controls within easy reach of the dredge master, enhancing comfort and operational oversight.
The vessel is equipped with a main engine room located in the aft, where the main diesel engines are housed. These engines provide power to the dredge pumps, which are located in a separate compartment and connected via a reduction gearbox.
The TSHD is equipped with two suction pipes, each with a 35.4in diameter, and can dredge to depths of up to 90ft.
Adele features Royal IHC’s latest technology, including the Plumigator overflow system, which helps in minimising the level of air under and around the vessel. It is also equipped with slurry pumps with Curve technology, which enhances lifetime and production.
The vessel includes a high-performance draghead, Mighty Dragon, which is adaptable to all soil conditions, ensuring high productivity.
In addition, the TSHD features online condition monitoring that enables predictive and preventative maintenance by identifying abnormalities in key vessel and dredging systems, including unusual vibrations and temperature variations.
This monitoring reduces the risk of equipment damage, cuts unplanned downtime and dry-docking expenses, and prolongs the service life of machinery.
Adele’s navigation and communications systems
Adele is equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems, which ensure operational efficiency and safety.
The integration of Royal IHC’s Mission Master – Dredging Assist enables semi-autonomous control of dredging and dumping processes, optimising efficiency and minimising human error.
Dynamic positioning and dynamic tracking systems are integrated with the dredge path planner, ensuring precise operations and enhanced safety.
The vessel is delivered with a ‘smart’ digital solution in an easy-to-use dashboard (desktop and mobile) that delivers actionable insights to support more informed operational decision-making.
Contractors involved
In March 2025, Dutra Group issued a notice to proceed to ESG for the construction of Adele.
Based in the Netherlands, Royal IHC was contracted to provide design and technology for Adele.