Royal IHC inks contract with Eastern Shipbuilding for new hopper dredger

Royal IHC has signed a contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. for the construction of a medium class hopper dredger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

“We’re very pleased to be working with Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build a highly automated, state-of-the-art hopper dredger that will push the boundaries of dredging efficiency and performance,” said Royal IHC.

“The new hopper dredger is designed to meet and exceed the US Army Corps of Engineers mission-based operational requirements and will replace the aging McFarland.”

According to IHC, the hopper dredger will have a maximum hopper capacity of 6,000 cubic yards.

Another unique feature of this dredger is the high level of on-board automation, which will provide advice and assistance on best dredging techniques and improve overall efficiency through the integration of various dredging automation systems, said the Dutch company.

Specifications:

• Overall length (hull): 320. feet (97.54 meters)
• Hopper capacity: 6,000 cubic yards (4,600 cubic meters)
• Dredging depth: 65 feet (19.81 meter)
• Dragarms ID: 2 x 600 mm
• Total installed power: 7,770 kW
• Speed: 12.0 knots