The ports of Port Otago and Napier Port in New Zealand have ordered a dredger from Damen Shipyards. The type “TSHD 1000” (Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger) vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
The newbuild will be built at shipyard 189 in Haiphong, Vietnam. Several Damen Group special ships have already been built there. The hopper dredger, which is being built to a standard design, is 60 metres long and has a maximum volume of 1,000 m3. It has two azimuth thrusters and a bow thruster to ensure manoeuvrability in long entrances to ports such as Port Chalmers and Dunedin.
Damen dredger to improve safety and efficiency
“Partnering with Damen gives us access to leading dredger technology,” said Kevin Winders, CEO of Port Otago. “We want to improve our dredging operations, go beyond environmental compliance and modernise our fleet through this collaboration. The safety and efficiency of our work in the ports is critical to the maritime sector in our region and the new dredger will ensure the channel remains safe for the next generation.”
Pim Schuurman, Regional Sales Director at Damen, said: “Damen is delighted to have another dredger to partner the ‘Tommy Norton’ in this part of the world, along with the Damen tugs in this region. Another vessel provides economies of scale that will allow us to invest in additional spares and service across Australasia.”
