NMDC’s newly delivered hopper dredger features a Wärtsilä propulsion package.
The technology group Wärtsilä has supplied the full propulsion package for a new, state-of-the-art Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) that was launched in September. The vessel is owned by National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) based in Abu Dhabi, and has been specially designed to operate in high ambient temperatures. The Wärtsilä machinery is capable of operating efficiently in such conditions.
The 6000 m3 capacity TSHD was designed by the IHC shipyard in the Netherlands in close cooperation with NMDC. The customised solution combines a shallow draft and a deep dredging depth with high manoeuvrability. The scope of Wärtsilä’s supply, which comprises two 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 32 engines specially tuned for dredging operations, two controllable pitch propeller systems, and two tunnel thrusters, provides the required power and manoeuvrability. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in June 2016.
“This modern generation dredger was designed to operate reliably, efficiently and with flexibility in demanding conditions. We are, therefore, proud that Wärtsilä propulsion machinery was selected as being the most suitable for meeting these operational requirements,” says Ayman Zreik Farhat, General Manager, Sales, Middle East, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
“We are familiar with Wärtsilä’s capabilities, and we know and trust their ability to provide us with the right solutions for this latest addition to the NMDC fleet,” says Mohamed Afan, Senior Assets & investment Director, NMDC.
NMDC has a number of dredgers in its fleet fitted with Wärtsilä engines and other solutions. All are supported by Wärtsilä’s local service capabilities.
