Jan De Nul signs deal for the first plug-in hybrid dredger

Jan De Nul Group and Goa Shipyard Limited have signed a contract for the construction of a next generation trailing suction hopper dredger.

Photo courtesy of JDN

The new dredger is a plug-in hybrid specifically designed to operate in small harbors. With its 79 meters hull length and a hopper capacity of 2000 cubic meter, the newbuild will be the smallest of Jan De Nul Group’s hopper fleet.

Jan Van De Velde, Director New Building at Jan De Nul Group: “It’s a small hopper with big capabilities. Tailor-made to perform in small harbours, agile and flexible. With very big ambitions in the field of durability. As a DC hybrid plug-in the vessel is highly innovative, with a big potential to reduce our carbon footprint. Another added value to our versatile fleet.”

The new vessel is custom made to operate in small harbors in highly populated areas, like marinas for example. It is highly manoeuvrable, very low in emissions and is almost silent.

Mr. B K Upadhyay, CMD at GSL: “This prestigious deal with a European client is a significant step to diversify ourselves into the global commercial shipbuilding market. With an excellent track record of execution and delivery, for which GSL is known for, I am confident that we will continue with our legacy of delivering high quality ships well within the delivery timelines.”

The present contract is for one vessel, with a delivery period of 24 months for the first ship, having an option to construct a second sister vessel.