Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Dutch offshore contractor Van Oord to deliver a CSD 650 custom suction dredger and an FCS 1605 Fast Crew Supplier.
The 60m-long new-build dredger will be deployed in the Ural River to prepare the waterway to meet the required specification. The crew supplier will be used initially for operations in the Caspian Sea.
Designed by Damen Dredging Equipment in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, the vessel is expected to be delivered by the end of this month. It is due to start operations in April.
Van Oord project director Peter Bunschoten said: "Van Oord requires a cutter suction dredger at short notice because of the large number of ongoing dredging projects.
"Damen’s expertise combined with Van Oord standards will result in a fit-for-purpose addition to our dredging projects in the Caspian Sea."
Damen has already started construction works on the dredger and is currently undertaking modifications to add a bow in order change its classification from sheltered waters to coastal operations.
The vessel has a total weight of 535t and is equipped with additional tank capacities to enable operation without support for an extended period of time in remote locations, Damen said.
The 16.15m-long Damen Fast Crew Supplier 1605 will have a top speed of 30k and the capacity to accomodate up to 23 passengers.
Image: Twin waterjet propulsion units give FCS 1605 manoeuvrability at high speed. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
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