IHC Merwede has successfully launched the 500m3 grab hopper dredger, DOHUK, and the 3,500m3 trailing suction hopper dredger, KARBALA, in two ceremonies on 25 July 2012 at the company’s shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel, The Netherlands.
The DOHUK was launched early in the morning, followed later by the ceremony for the KARBALA.
The vessels were named by breaking a jar of yoghurt over the bow. They are being built for Toyota Tsusho Corporation, although the operator will be the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI). Both ceremonies were performed by Mr Hussain Mohammed Abdullah, GCPI’s Project Director.
The contract for the design, construction and delivery of both vessels was signed between Toyota Tsusho Corporation and IHC Dredgers on 21 October 2010. The keel of the trailing suction hopper dredger was laid on 10 January 2012 and of the grab hopper dredger on 9 March 2012. Both vessels will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2012. The vessels are functionally equipped and solidly built, with much attention paid to low maintenance costs. They will be used mainly for maintenance work in various Iraqi ports, although the KARBALA can also be used for land reclamation projects.
Additional features
Main features
-Name DOHUK KARBALA
-Type Grab hopper dredger Trailing suction hopper dredger
-Customer Toyota Tsusho Corp. Toyota Tsusho Corp.
-Builder IHC Dredgers BV IHC Dredgers BV
-Length overall 57m 90.65m
-Breadth 12.5m 17m
-Depth 4.9m 7.9m
-Draught 3.9m 6.5m
-Dredging depth 25m 25m
-Hopper capacity 500m3 3,500m3
-Suction pipe diameter 600mm
-Total installed power 554kW 7,262kW
-Speed 8 knots 12 knots
-Daytime accommodation 12 people 37 people
Company profile IHC Merwede
IHC Merwede is focussed on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and a reliable supplier of custom-built ships and supplies for offshore construction.
IHC Merwede has in-house expertise for engineering and manufacturing innovative vessels and advanced equipment, as well as providing life-cycle support. Its integrated systematic approach has helped to develop optimum product performance and long-term business partnerships.
The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities.
IHC Merwede has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, France, India, Malaysia, the Middle East, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Technological innovation will remain the company’s underlying strength through its continuous investment in research and development. Moreover, it helps to safeguard a sustainable environment.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, July 25, 2012; Image: IHC Merwede