Damen Builds Shellfish Dredger for Noordland

Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam is constructing a razor shell dredger for the Dutch fishing cooperative YE 118 Noordland BV.

“We are very happy to have been given the opportunity to build such a cutting-edge vessel,” says Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam Director Frits van Dongen. “The Noordland will be able to harvest razor shells in water up to 20 metres deep – something that is made possible by the advanced pumping system.”

The pump will be connected to a 30-metre suction pipe, with a 1-metre wide basket at one end that the vessel will position over the target area.

This fishing technique minimises environmental damage such as disturbance to the seabed and unwanted bycatch. In fact, the Dutch razor shell fishery is an MSC certified industry – meaning that it is sustainably managed to ensure healthy levels of the target species while supporting the surrounding ecosystem, the company wrote.

As well as installation of the specialised fishing equipment, the yard’s scope also includes fitting of the vessel’s generators and propulsion system as well as carpentry, electronics and piping.

Delivery is planned for mid-October.

[mappress mapid=”11981″]