Royal Boskalis orders mega dredge

Mega cutter represents a EUR 170 million investment

NOVEMBER 27, 2013 — Netherlands based dredging giant Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has ordered a new self-propelled megacutter from shipbuilder IHC Merwede. This self-propelled cutter suction dredge, with a total installed power of 23,700 kW and a pump ashore capacity of 15,600 kW, is a replacement investment. The total investment amounts to around EUR 170 million and construction of the vessel is expected to take more than three years.

Royal Boskalis notes that a cutter suction dredge is a vessel that dredges while being held into place using spuds and anchors. This technique combines powerful cutting with suction dredging. Cutter suction dredges are mainly used where the underwater surface is hard and compact. The dredged material is sometimes loaded into barges but is generally pumped to land through a pressure pipeline.