Damen Shipyards Group and Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, have signed a contract for the construction of a new Trailing Suction Grab Hopper Dredger. The agreement, concluded in March through ABP’s subsidiary UK Dredging (UKD), represents an important milestone in the long‑standing collaboration between the two organisations and the growing capability of UKD.
One year ago, Damen successfully delivered the UKD Seadragon, a Shoalbuster 2711 WID (water injection dredger), to ABP. This new order further strengthens the positive partnership between the companies and reflects their ongoing commitment to supporting efficient and sustainable dredging operations.
UKD is responsible for providing essential dredging services across ports and waterways throughout the United Kingdom. The dredger will play a crucial role in maintaining navigational depths and supporting safe, efficient vessel access to ABP’s ports.
The vessel, based on the Damen TSHD 1000 design, has been customised to meet the specific operational needs of UKD. Construction will take place at the Ha Long Shipyard, and the dredger is expected to be ready for maintenance duties in ports across the United Kingdom in 2028.
The vessel will be fitted with a diesel-electric propulsion system incorporating an energy storage system, as well as a Damen aftertreatment ULEV‑compliant exhaust system featuring SCR and DPF filters, aligning with the latest environmental standards in the maritime industry. The 60‑metre vessel will also be equipped with an electrically driven grab crane.
Mark Pearson, General Manager of UKD, commented, “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Damen on this important addition to our fleet, further boosting UKD’s sector leading capability. The new TSHD 1000 will enhance our ability to maintain ports across the UK efficiently and sustainably, supporting our mission to provide reliable dredging services for our customers as a key part of ABP’s mission Keeping Britain Trading. The new multi-purpose TSHD 1000 is designed to support UKD’s commitment to sustainable and efficient port maintenance.”
Joppe Neijens, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards, added, “This contract marks another milestone in our longstanding relationship with UKD. We are proud to deliver a vessel that combines proven Damen design with bespoke features to meet UKD’s operational needs.”
Damen Shipyards Group – Oceans of Possibilities
Damen Shipyards Group has been in operation for over ninety-five years and offers maritime solutions worldwide, through design, construction, conversion, maintenance and repair of ships and ship components. By integrating systems we create innovative, high quality platforms, which provide our customers with maximum added value.
Our core values are fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. Our goal is to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder, via digitalisation, standardisation and serial construction of our innovative vessels and through use of circular materials.
Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network. We deliver in the region of 160 vessels per year, with a total production value of over 3 billion euros. We offer direct employment to approximately 12,500 people. In all that we do, our aim to ensure a positive impact on the local environment and society.
About UK Dredging (www.ukdredging.co.uk)
UK Dredging (UKD) operates the largest British dredging fleet and specialises in the provision of reliable and cost-effective port maintenance dredging services.
UKD was established in 1996 as a division of Associated British Ports. UKD vessels operate around the UK and near continent with operations overseen from UKD’s head office in Cardiff with a satellite operational office based in Hull.
UKD is backed by the financial strength of ABP, the UK’s largest and leading ports group, handling about a quarter of the country’s seaborne trade. This strength has allowed UKD to maintain a programme of continued capital investment.
Vessels equipped with the latest dredge-monitoring and guidance systems allow UKD to provide efficient solutions to customers’ dredging requirements.
UKD’s experience has evolved from the teams responsible for the majority of the maintenance dredging at Britain’s ports since the 19th century. At one time, most ports had a dedicated dredger or fleet of dredgers to carry out the work required. Over the years, rationalisation and modernisation have created a sophisticated fleet of trailer suction, grab dredgers, and plough vessels using the latest technology to dredge millions of cubic metres of material each year, while having a high regard for the fragile marine environment.
