Jan de Nul picks trenching vessel design from Ulstein

Belgian dredging and offshore construction firm, Jan de Nul, has chosen a customised trenching vessel design from Ulstein Design & Solutions. The vessel, understood to be on order at China Merchants Heavy Industry, is due for delivery in 2028. It is intended for a broad range of functions including establishing channels to bury pipelines, power cables, and telecommunication lines.

The ultra-low emission vessel will have dual exhaust filter systems that remove up to 99% of nanoparticles from emissions and a reduction system for nitrogen oxides. Purpose-built for trenching, the vessel will have an Ulstein X-Bow hull design to reduce wave resistance, cut fuel use, and improve comfort on board.  

The ship will be able to operate on biofuel and green methanol and will comply with strict European Stage V emission standards for inland waterway vessels. Furthermore, the NOx emissions will be reduced to a level that complies with even stricter Euro VI emission requirements.

Jan de Nul’s Muysewinkel Thomas, project manager Vessel Construction, said: “We chose Ulstein because of their proven vessel design, which provides a strong foundation to integrate all of our operational requirements. This collaboration allows us to combine reliability with tailored solutions for our operations. We look forward to a close and productive cooperation throughout the process. Together, we will deliver a state-of-the-art vessel fully adapted to the needs of our clients and crew.”