Another example of successful cooperation between Astilleros de Murueta and Damen Dredging Equipment was the recent delivery of trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Hondarra.
This 1.200 m³ hopper dredger, the 4th TSHD built by this Spanish-Dutch cooperation, will perform maintenance dredging duties in the harbor of Bayonne and supply sand to the nearby beaches.
The hopper dredger has been designed by Bilbao-based Astilleros de Murueta, as a straightforward fit-for-purpose dredger according to the Port de Bayonne specification. All design including the basic design as well as the naval architecture has been done by the yard. The 61.8 m long vessel includes besides the trailing pipe system a 3.2 m³ bucket grab crane. The superstructure is placed aft.
As for the dredgers built in cooperation with Damen Dredging Equipment previously, all dredging equipment has been delivered by the Dutch. The 500mm trailing pipe, designed for a maximum dredging depth of -20m, was delivered complete with gantries, winches and position indication system.
Moreover loading gear such as the dredge pump including degassing system, dredge valves and overflows were delivered. The dredger is fitted out with Damen bottom doors and bow coupling connection.
The “Hondarra” – meaning “sand” in Basque – is the first dredger for the Chambre de Commerce d’Industrie de Bayonne Pays Basque, which operates Bayonne harbor. The vessel will perform maintenance duties to keep the harbor at the right depth. Moreover, sand will be won and either dumped or rainbowed to the shore to keep the beaches in perfect condition.
The vessel was delivered to the owner last month following extensive trials.