Belgium’s DEME has taken delivery of what it says is the world’s first and most powerful LNG-powered cutter suction dredger.
The dredging firm said it welcomed the 164 meters long Spartacus on August 3 and the newbuild would now head to its first project in Egypt.
In Abu Qir, Egypt, the vessel will work alongside many of DEME’s trailing suction hopper dredgers in the largest dredging and land reclamation project ever in the company’s history.
Built by Dutch yard Royal IHC, the new dredger features dual-fuel engines and a total installed capacity of 44,180 kW.
Besides LNG power, the vessel also has several additional energy-saving features, such as a waste heat recovery system, according to DEME.
Furthermore, the firm says the vessel will be able to dredge in waters up to 45 meters.
DEME previously expected to take delivery of the vessel last year. However, financial problems at IHC delayed the delivery of the LNG-powered dredger.
IHC and DEME held a naming ceremony for the ship in May this year.
The Belgian firm has been heavily investing in liquefied natural gas as fuel and has several LNG-powered dredgers in its fleet but also a cable installation vessel and an offshore installation vessel.
