The Netherlands: IHC Merwede Launches CSD ARTEMIS for Van Oord

Yesterday, IHC Merwede has successfully named and launched the self-propelled cutter suction dredger, ARTEMIS, at its shipyard in Sliedrecht, The Netherlands. The ARTEMIS, which is being manufactured for Van Oord, is one of the largest cutter suction dredgers ever built in The Netherlands for a Dutch dredging company.

The ceremony was performed by Mrs AB van den Driest-Sorgdrager, who is the wife of Mr CJ van den Driest, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Van Oord.

The contract for the design, construction and delivery of the vessel was signed between Van Oord and IHC Dredgers, part of IHC Merwede, on 20 December 2010. The ship will be delivered in the first half of 2013.

The name is consistent with Van Oord’s tradition of naming its cutter suction dredgers after legends in Greek mythology. Artemis is known as the goddess of the hunt.

“Construction of the Artemis is in line with Van Oord’s strategy of operating in every single category of the dredging market,” says Pieter van Oord, CEO. “By investing in two self-propelled cutter suction dredgers and two mammoth backhoe dredgers, Van Oord can take on any dredging project in hard soil.”

A particular feature of this vessel is the spud carriage with hydraulic buffering which makes it possible to work for longer periods in bad weather. As a result of the close cooperation between Van Oord and IHC Merwede, much attention has been paid to the ergonomic design of the ARTEMIS. For example the deckhouse will be mounted on air springs to minimise noise and vibrations in the accommodation section.

Towards the end of 2011, her sister ship ATHENA, was delivered to Van Oord and has since been successfully utilised on various projects. The construction of both vessels is having a positive impact on the Dutch economy.

Main features

Name – ARTEMIS

Type – Self-propelled cutter suction dredger

Customer – Van Oord NV

Builder – IHC Dredgers BV

Length overall – 131.5m

Breadth – 27.8m

Total installed power – 24,650kW

Suction pipe diameter – 1,000mm

Maximum dredging depth – 25.8m (50°) / 32.4m (60°)

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.

Van Oord company profile

Van Oord is a leading international contractor specialising in dredging, marine engineering, and offshore projects (oil, gas and wind energy sectors). Some 5,000 employees are working all over the world and the company has some 30 branches in various countries. Van Oord is an independent family business based in the Netherlands.

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Dredging Today Staff, July 1, 2012; Image: IHC Merwede