Damen delivers Cat-powered dredger in just 44 days

The CSD650 was immediately towed to its first dredging project. (Photo: Damen Shipyards)

Maritime solutions provider Damen Shipyards Group has mobilized from stock and outfitted, inspected and delivered a stationary Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) 650 to HAC Cranes for delivery to its final destination for end user Gulf Dredging in Kuwait, all in just 44 days from contract signature.

The CSD650 dredger, which has been named the GD4000, is designed for capital mining and maintenance dredging and provides the ability to pump up to 7000 cu. meter/hour at an 18 meter maximum digging depth. Its engine installation includes a Cat C32 submersible pump generator (1080 kVa, 690 V AC), Caterpillar 3516C TA HD inboard diesel pump and Caterpillar 3512C TA auxiliary diesel power source. The system offers a continuous power rating of 1825 kW and a prime power rating of 1119 kW, both at 1600 rpm, and delivers 700 kW of cutter power to the dredger’s 2100 mm diameter cutter.

The 70 m, 645 ton vessel had been built on speculation at Damen’s Albwardy’s shipyard in Sharjah, Dubai, and just added to the dredger stock when Gulf Dredging expressed the need for an immediately available stationary dredger. The CSD650 was put forward and the contract signed, with the vessel customized upon delivery in Kuwait using options already available in stock. Customization included the addition of an anchor boom installation, deck crane and dredging instrumentation package, as well as navigation and communication equipment requested by the customer.

Representatives of customer Gulf Dredging visited the dredger for a full inspection. (Photo: Damen Shipyards)

“This large dredger has been delivered incredibly fast. Due to the remarkable cooperation between all parties involved, who were all energized by the urgent requirement for the dredger, all phases of the delivery process went smoothly,” said Boran Bekbulat, regional sales director, Damen Shipyards Group. “The dredger was even towed to Kuwait by the end user itself in record time.

“We trust that the CSD 650 will meet HAC Cranes’ expectations,” he continued, “and that the end user, Gulf Dredging, a regional leader in marine and civil construction, dredging and other offshore works, will find it to be a significant asset for itself and its customers.”