Marine aggregates dredger launched at Romanian shipyard
A marine aggregates dredger (MAD), to be named Hanson Thames and destined to work for the UK-based Hanson Group, has been launched at Damen’s Galati shipyard in Romania. The vessel will extract aggregates at water depths of up to 55m in the waters of the English Channel and North Sea.
This MAD 3500 dredger from Damen’s MAD range is designed to provide the optimal balance between payload and efficiency whilst, at the same time, meeting dimension constraints at Shoreham Lock on the UK’s south coast. Following the launch, Damen is carrying out completion work and will prepare the vessel’s dredging equipment and a PLM Cranes dry unloading system for commissioning.
Joppe Neijens, Sales manager, commented: “By combining a robust approach to safety measures with coordinated teamwork, we have been able to continue production. The measures we have taken include strict hygiene and disinfection routines, and the establishment of shift teams to ensure maximum distance between people working, whilst at the same time keeping to schedule. The project team and yard have done a great job. “Together they have taken the necessary measures to keep on track with minimal loss of time. In this way, we are able to maintain our support to our clients.”