Damen launches new ‘MAD’ dredger
The first of Damen’s new MAD class has been launched at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania (Source: Damen Shipyards)
The first in a new class of marine aggregates dredgers (MAD) has been launched at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania. Developed jointly by the shipbuilding group and building materials company Cemex, the new 103.5m-long MAD dredger class marks a move to improve the productivity and safety of new dredgers whilst also minimising their environmental impact.
The MAD 3500 Cemex Go Innovation, with a hopper capacity of 3,500m3, has been designed with maximum uptime in mind. Special attention has been paid to seakeeping characteristics to maximise both crew comfort and all-weather operation, whilst an enclosed bow will protect deck equipment and reduce the risk of green water ingress. All deck pipes are installed above the main deck for safety, easy inspection and convenient crane reach, and the ship’s modular construction will allow worn components to be replaced easily and quickly.
Cemex Materials UK Southern managing director, Laurence Dagley, said: “This is a ground-breaking ship that leads the industry thanks to the major environmental savings that it offers, its increased capacity and dredging depth, and its safety-enhancing external pipework. We look forward to the Cemex Go Innovation arriving in the UK and beginning its work early next year.”
