ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands,Van Oord marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the christening ceremonies of two new hybrid water injection dredgers, Rijn and Rhône, along with an unmanned survey vessel, VO:X Barentsz. The event, held at the Van Oord head office jetty in Rotterdam, showcased the company’s commitment to innovation in maritime infrastructure.
The Rijn and Rhône, sister vessels of the previously commissioned Maas and Mersey, represent a new generation of hybrid water injection dredgers. These vessels boast the Ultra Low Emission Vessel (ULEV) notation, signifying their sustainability credentials endorsed by the classification society. Equipped with hybrid energy management systems, heat recovery systems, and exhaust gas aftertreatment devices, the Rijn and Rhône significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Innovative technologies such as active heave compensation and a dynamic positioning system automate much of the dredging process, enhancing efficiency and operational capabilities.
Van Oord’s expertise in water injection dredging positions it as a global market leader in this field. Water injection dredging offers an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for maintaining the depth of navigation channels, ports, and rivers. The maneuverability and shallow draught of vessels like the Rijn and Rhône make them ideal for maintenance dredging in shallow harbors.
The christening of VO:X Barentsz, Van Oord’s fifth unmanned autonomous survey vessel (USV), marks another milestone in the company’s journey toward technological advancement. Developed in collaboration with DEMCON Unmanned Systems, VO:X Barentsz builds upon the success of its predecessors, leveraging advanced hardware and software to enhance offshore survey operations. Unmanned survey vessels not only provide cost-effective data collection for clients but also enhance safety by eliminating the need for onboard operators and surveyors.
Ms. Bartje de Boer–Veenstra and Ms. Liedy Bijsterbosch-Meijer performed the christening ceremonies for the Rijn and Rhône, respectively, while Ms. Lucienne van Leeuwen-Koper christened the VO:X Barentsz. These ceremonies symbolize Van Oord’s dedication to excellence and innovation in maritime infrastructure.
With its latest fleet additions and technological advancements, Van Oord continues to lead the way in sustainable and safe operations, setting new standards for the maritime industry.
