New Workhorse for Huta Marine Works

In the early morning of Saturday 8 March the Al Bahar C/D Huta 12 was launched and given her name at the IHC Merwede shipyard in Kinderdijk, the Netherlands. The self-propelled cutter suction dredger was designed and built by IHC Holland for Huta Marine Works, Saudi Arabia.

Following the launch IHC Merwede has until summer to complete the construction, including all testing and trials, of the vessel. ”For a self-propelled cutter suction dredger, this is a very tight schedule. Once again, we have proven to be a reliable partner with the construction of this high-quality dredger in record time”, comments Fer Tummers, managing director of IHC Merwede’s Dredging division.

Earlier in 2009 IHC Merwede also built the cutter suction dredger Al Sakab for Huta Marine Works, which made them turn again to the shipbuilder in 2012 for the design, construction and delivery of their new dredging vessel. Tummers: ”We worked closely with Huta’s staff to achieve a successful outcome. Both companies already have a history of strong cooperation. Hopefully this is not the last vessel we will deliver for Huta Marine Works.”

Good news

The godmother of the 122.5 metre long Al Bahar is Sylvia Wuebbens, daughter of Michael Wuebbens, managing director of Huta Marine Works. Director Wuebbens: ”The last vessel has worked non-stop ever since, therefore we asked the same godmother in the hope Al Bahar will achieve the same amount of work as well.” Referring to a possible third or even more ships he continues: ”Al Bahar was the name of one of the favourite horses of Prophet Muhammad, as was Al Sakab. I have good news: he had seven horses.”

The service of IHC Merwede to Huta Marine Works, however, does not end with the delivery of the Al Bahar. Tummers: ”We do not stop when the construction is finished. We also will provide a simulator to train the staff, organise trainings for them and deliver maintenance software and spare parts which will support the vessel during operations and Huta Marine Works can always approach our regional support centre with qualified engineers if needed.”

Cost price

After her delivery in the third quarter of 2014 the dredger will make its way to the Arabian Peninsula, where she will dredge hard soil in difficult climatic conditions in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. As such, Al Bahar has been designed and built using the latest technological developments and can dredge up to 28 metres deep. One of the demands was that the dredger would operate independently from tugboats, but had to have a low cost price. Al Bahar is equipped with separate accommodation for the sailing and operating crews, a travelling deck crane and azimuth thrusters. Tummers: ”We designed and built the best possible dredger within the given project boundaries. We created the best tools for your toolbox to make you the best in what you do.”

Anne Kregting