ZPMC cuts steel for China’s first LNG-powered hopper dredger

Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) has successfully held a steel cutting ceremony for the China’s first LNG-powered Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger.

According to the shipbuilder, the ceremony was held at ZPMC Qidong Offshore Engineering yard on December 26.

Ordered by CCCC Shanghai Dredging and designed by Marine Design and Research Institute of China, the new dredger will have a total length of 155,7 meters, width of 32 meters and a draft of 9,9 meters.

“The vessel is the first extra-large clean energy-powered Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger with completely independent design solutions in China,” the company said in a statement. “The newbuild is intelligent and eco-friendly, and its technology related to LNG power fills the gap of clean energy power for dredging ships in China.”

ZPMC also added that with the hopper capacity of the 15,000m³ the new dredger will reduce emission of nitrogen oxides by up to 90%, carbon dioxide emissions up to 20% and eliminate sulfur oxides and particulate matter emissions.

The shipbuilder expects the new vessel to be completed and ready for delivery by the end of 2023.