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DEME has ordered a new 22,000 m³ trailing suction hopper dredger, marking a major fleet investment aimed at lowering dredging costs and reducing greenhouse gas intensity in large-scale dredging markets.
New capacity for large projects
The vessel is designed for capital dredging, maintenance dredging, land reclamation, port development and offshore seabed preparation.
DEME said the shallow-draft TSHD is intended to deliver a lower cost per dredged cubic meter compared with existing vessels in the same segment. That matters in a market where margins can be shaped by fuel burn, cycle times and the ability to work efficiently in demanding project conditions.
Built for fuel flexibility
The new dredger will feature an advanced power plant and propulsion system, a hydrodynamically optimized hull, more efficient dredging technology and a high level of automation.
The design also allows for a future transition toward green methanol and enhanced autonomous dredging features. In practical terms, the vessel is being built not only for today’s contracts, but also for a market where fuel rules, carbon expectations and operating costs are moving targets.
Christopher Iwens, Managing Director Dredging at DEME, said the vessel represents “a strategic investment” in the company’s dredging fleet, combining productivity gains with improved fuel efficiency and future fuel adaptability.
China build, Singapore completion
The main structure will be built in China, while outfitting and final completion will take place in Singapore under DEME supervision and in line with European maritime standards.
Delivery is scheduled for 2029. DEME currently operates more than 50 dredging vessels.
