Successful Launch Ceremony for TSHD CONGO RIVER (The Netherlands)

The launch ceremony for the 30,000m³ trailing suction hopper dredger CONGO RIVER took place on 21 January 2011 at the IHC Merwede shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel, The Netherlands. IHC Merwede is building the impressive ship for the DEME Group and the CONGO RIVER is one of the largest ships in the fleet.

The contract for the design, construction and delivery of the vessel was signed between DEME NV and IHC Dredgers BV in December 2008 and the keel was laid a year later on 15 December 2009. The vessel will be commissioned mid-2011. The name CONGO RIVER is in line with the tradition of DEME NV to name some of its large ships after the world’s great rivers.

The CONGO RIVER is an innovative and versatile vessel, which has excellent manoeuvrability and is also multifunctional because of its limited length-to-width ratio. With a relatively low draught when fully loaded, the dredger will be able to manoeuvre easily in shallow waters. This makes the CONGO RIVER suitable for working in ports as well as for long-distance sand transportation. With this vessel, DEME expands its fleet of highly competitive ships, which began with the Pallieter-class and Brabo-class. Fitted with a deep suction dredging installation, the CONGO RIVER can dredge to depths greater than 100 metres. It also features a one-man bridge operation.

Additional information

Main features

Name: CONGO RIVER

Type: trailing suction hopper dredger

Customer: DEME NV

Builder: IHC Dredgers BV

Length overall: 168m

Breadth: 38m

Depth: 13.3m

Hopper capacity: 30,000m³

Suction pipes diameter: 1,300mm

Accommodation: 30 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, China, Croatia, France, India, the Middle East, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia, 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.

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Source: IHC