New generation trailing suction hopper dredger ‘Bonny River’ joins the DEME’s fleet
DEME’s ambitious multi-year fleet investment programme continues with the arrival of the new generation trailing suction hopper dredger ‘Bonny River’. The vessel is currently being mobilised in Flushing, the Netherlands, for its first assignment, the company said in its release.
The arrival of the 15,000 m³ ‘Bonny River’ marks the introduction of a new generation of trailing suction hopper dredgers. This unique vessel is able to dredge very hard soils and can work in deep waters of more than 100 m. The versatile new dredger combines a very long suction pipe and large carrying capacity, with a limited draught. Additionally, the TSHD has a heavy-duty trail pipe with a rock draghead.
‘Bonny River’ has a large jet pipe on her suction tube that uses extracted overflow water from the hopper that is pumped back to the seabed and integrated into the dredging process. This enables the vessel to achieve ‘closed loop dredging’ whereby the turbidity generated by the process water is eliminated, which is particularly important in environmentally sensitive areas. Moreover, the shape of the hull and two-speed propulsion gearbox reduce fuel consumption considerably. ‘Bonny River’ is a full DP2 trailing suction hopper dredger – the first of its kind - which allows the vessel to manoeuvre with pinpoint precision. The vessel has a 'Green Passport' and a 'Clean Design' notation.
Currently ‘Bonny River’ is preparing in Flushing for her first assignments. The vessel will reclaim approximately 300.000 m³ of sand at the New Lock Terneuzen project in the Netherlands. With the reclamation the first phase of the plateau will be realised from which the new lock will be built. The reclamation will be combined with deepening works in the outer harbour of Terneuzen. ‘Bonny River’ will also set course to the Belgian North Sea to backfill approximately 45 km of trenches for Belgian transmission system operator Elia’s Modular Offshore grid project, covering and protecting the high voltage export power cables from the Offshore Switch Yard to Zeebrugge. The official naming ceremony for ‘Bonny River’ will take place later this year.
With continued investment in its fleet, DEME aims to take the lead in the industry with vessels featuring innovative technologies and improved operational performance. Three other dredging vessels are under construction, including ‘Spartacus’ – the most powerful cutter suction dredger in the world – and trailing suction hopper dredgers ‘Meuse River’ and ‘River Thames’.
About DEME
DEME is a world leader in the highly specialised fields of dredging, marine engineering and environmental remediation. The company can build on more than 140 years of know-how and experience and has fostered a pioneering approach throughout its history, being a front runner in innovation and new technologies.
DEME’s vision is to work towards a sustainable future by offering solutions for global challenges: a rising sea level, a growing population, reduction of CO2 emissions, polluted rivers and soils and the scarcity of natural resources. Although DEME’s activities originated with the core dredging business, the portfolio diversified substantially over the decades, including dredging and land reclamation, solutions for the offshore energy market, infra marine solutions and environmental solutions.
While the company’s roots are in Belgium, DEME has built a strong presence in all of the world’s seas and continents, operating in more than 90 countries worldwide. DEME can rely on 5,200 highly skilled professionals across the globe. With a versatile and modern fleet of over 100 vessels, backed by a broad range of auxiliary equipment, the company can provide solutions for even the most complex projects.
DEME achieved a turnover of 2.65 billion euros in 2018.
