Royal IHC to build world’s largest cutter suction dredger for DEME

Royal IHC has been awarded a contract for the design, construction and delivery of the 44,180kW self-propelled cutter suction dredger (CSD) SPARTACUS, for DEME in Belgium. The newly built CSD will be 164 metres long. The concept and basic design for this mega cutter was done in close cooperation with DEME, Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam (a 100% subsidiary of Royal IHC) and Royal IHC.

Several innovations and LNG-powered
The SPARTACUS will be the world’s first LNG-powered (liquefied natural gas) CSD and follows the order for the first LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) MINERVA and SCHELDT RIVER, and ‘LNG-ready’ BONNY RIVER, that are currently under construction at Royal IHC’s shipyards. 

The four main diesel engines can run on LNG, MDO and HFO, and the two auxiliary engines have dual-fuel technology. The application of LNG to power TSHDs has proven to be a very complex puzzle. In close cooperation with DEME, the two organisations have managed to fit all the pieces together. The SPARTACUS will benefit from this joint effort and forward-thinking and represents a new milestone in the industry.

This environmentally-friendly CSD will also have other innovations on board, such as a waste heat recovery system that converts heat from the exhaust gasses to electrical energy. The dredge control is arranged for a one-man operation. The vessel will have a heavy-duty cutter ladder and can reach a dredging depth of 45m.

Most complex cutter ever built
“We can state that this CSD is the largest and most complex that Royal IHC has ever built,” says Royal IHC's CEO Dave Vander Heyde. “The combination of power, size and innovations makes it a true challenge to build. We are proud and honoured that DEME has again placed their trust in us. We also want to thank them for giving us the opportunity to build the world’s first LNG-powered cutter suction dredger. We are pleased to note that Royal IHC’s strategy, which focuses on developing and producing high added value equipment, and integrated vessels is starting to pay off. Being able to manage all the gigantic forces of this CSD with our high tech equipment and systems perfectly supports this.” 

The SPARTACUS will also reinforce DEME’s commitment to green initiatives. “This cutter suction dredger  is going to be an important benchmark for the industry and a huge step toward limiting the environmental impact of our vessels,” says DEME’s Head of Construction and Conversion Jan Gabriel.