Damen Dredging Equipment has replaced the submersed dredge pump drive of the sand mining dredger “Maas”. The dredger, built by Damen back in 1986, is still owned by its first owner, the dredging company Geluk. The operation included the removal of the former hydraulic drive, the engineering and fitting of a new electric drive, including its gear box, generator and the installation of a new CAT engine. All to ensure a prolonged productive life for the “Maas”.

The 600 mm discharge diameter sand mining dredger “Maas” is 52 m long, 8.9 m wide and has a maximum dredging depth of 43 m. In order to maximize production, a Damen submersed dredge pump is integrated in its suction ladder. The cost of the refit operation was justified as the “Maas” is of a robust design and has been kept in very good condition. The main reasons for the refit were the major efficiency gain of over 28% by switching from a hydraulic to an electric drive, the important reduction of the sound level, the increasing environmental concern when working with hydraulic oil and the easier (dis) assembly of the entire dredger once electrified.