DEME’s multi-year fleet investment program continues with the arrival of the new generation trailing suction hopper dredger ‘Bonny River’.
The arrival of the 15,000m³ ‘Bonny River’ marks the introduction of a new generation of trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHD). This vessel is able to dredge very hard soils and can work in deep waters of more than 100m.
The 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.
Environmental innovations
‘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, said the company.
‘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.
First projects in the Netherlands and Belgium
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 realized from which the new lock will be built.
The reclamation will be combined with deepening works in the outer harbor of Terneuzen.
The official naming ceremony for ‘Bonny River’ will take place later this year.
Fleet investment program
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’.