Royal IHC delivers first Easydredge TSHD to Mexican Navy

Royal IHC today officially handed over the first Easydredge trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) to SEMAR (Secretaria de Marina) at the Port of Veracruz in Mexico.

The BAHIA SAN CARLOS of Easydredge 2700 series was built from stock at the Krimpen aan de IJssel and Kinderdijk shipyards in the Netherlands. Being built from the stock program allowed Royal IHC to comply with SEMAR’s request for an ultra-short delivery time.

Following successful sea trials in the North Sea in October, the new vessel was delivered on time for deployment on a national maintenance programme by the Mexican Navy. This will involve deepening rivers on the country’s east coast and helping to prevent flooding in Tabasco.

As the Easydredge is a standardised series of vessels, it benefits from short lead times and is a cost-effective option for customers seeking quick delivery. Their straight forward design and reliability of the vessel incorporate decades of hopper dredge innovation and will contribute to the efficiency of the SEMAR dredge fleet.

The relation with SEMAR dates back to the eighties when they first purchased dredger the Ciudad del Carmen. “Last year SEMAR purchased a Beaver from Royal IHC and recognised its vast experience and proven track record in the dredging market,” said Ronald van Son, Director Dredging Vessels. “The fast delivery time of less than a year was a crucial factor in its decision to order the Easydredge. This project has run very smoothly, and everything has gone according to schedule.”

SEMAR also recognised the quality and added value provided by Royal IHC, particularly in terms of training and spare parts. Project Manager Jan Willem Stuurman said: “We had an excellent relationship with the new crew – they were really enthusiastic about the vessel and commented on the high level of quality.”

The BAHIA SAN CARLOS is the sixth Easydredge vessel to be sold by Royal IHC and the company believes demand for its modular TSHDs will increase further. The line-up comprises four vessel sizes: Easydredge 700, 1700, 2700 and 3700, which range in volume from 500 to 4,000m3.