The dredger Hanson Thames, built at Damen Shipyards in Galati, Romania, has arrived safely in the UK and is set to enter active service in the new year.
“Our new marine aggregates dredger provides increased payload and efficiency and will supply sand and gravel for the UK construction market,” said Hanson.
Aided by a number of special features specific to its innovative design, including a 1,400 kW permanent magnet electric motor which powers the dredge pump, the vessel is able to dredge aggregates at -55m.
The new dredger also features a dry unloading system built by Damen’s partner PLM Cranes BV.
According to Damen, the Hanson Thames design achieves the optimal balance between payload and efficiency within limited dimensions and is ideally suited to operating within the dimensions of Shoreham lock on the English south coast.