Damen Shipyards Group and Associated British Ports (ABP), the largest port operator in the UK, have signed a contract to build a new Trailing Suction Grab Hopper Dredger. This agreement, finalized in March through ABP’s...
Damen Shipyards Group and Associated British Ports (ABP), the largest port operator in the UK, have signed a contract to build a new Trailing Suction Grab Hopper Dredger. This agreement, finalized in March through ABP’s subsidiary UK Dredging (UKD), marks an important step in the ongoing collaboration between the two companies and showcases UKD's growing capabilities.
A year ago, Damen successfully delivered the Seadragon, a Shoalbuster 2711 WID (water injection dredger), to ABP. This new order enhances the strong partnership between the companies and demonstrates their commitment to efficient and sustainable dredging operations.
UKD provides vital dredging services at ports and waterways across the UK. The new dredger will be essential for maintaining navigational depths and ensuring safe, efficient access for vessels to ABP’s ports.
The vessel, designed based on the Damen TSHD 1000, will be customized to suit UKD's specific operational needs. Construction will occur at Ha Long Shipyard, with the dredger expected to be operational for maintenance duties in ports across the UK by 2028.
This vessel will be equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system, an energy storage system, and a Damen aftertreatment ULEV-compliant exhaust system featuring SCR and DPF filters, meeting the latest environmental standards in the maritime industry. The 60-metre vessel will also include an electrically driven grab crane.
Mark Pearson, General Manager of UKD, stated, “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Damen on this important addition to our fleet, which will enhance UKD’s leading capabilities. The new TSHD 1000 will help us maintain ports across the UK efficiently and sustainably, supporting our goal to provide reliable dredging services as part of ABP’s mission of Keeping Britain Trading. This multi-purpose TSHD 1000 is designed to align with UKD’s commitment to sustainable and efficient port maintenance.”
Joppe Neijens, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards, mentioned, “This contract represents another milestone in our long-standing relationship with UKD. We are proud to deliver a vessel that combines proven Damen design with custom features tailored to UKD’s operational needs.”