IHC Merwede launches a series of small hopper dredgers known as ‘Easydredge’

IHC Merwede has launched a new budget range of small hopper dredgers under the name of ’Easydredge’. This is in response to the increasing global demand for smaller dredgers. The sophisticated design, standardised components and smart production choices make the easydredge vessel an extremely cost-effective concept with a short delivery time. The Easydredge series bridges the gap between the existing line-up of IHC Beagle standard hopper dredgers and the standard IHC Beaver® cutter suction dredgers.

Available in three sizes (Easydredge 1300, 2300 and 3300), the new vessels are tailor-made using option packages and can provide a solution for any situation. The Easydredge can be used optimally for maintenance dredging, land reclamation, and the extraction of sand and gravel at sea. The option packages can also be added later to the ship, making it a highly flexible concept. The vessels are produced using the IHC Merwede network of partner sites or on a local-for-locaol basis.

The Easydredge range incorporates the latest technology and engines to ensure green propulsion and durability. This reduces fuel consumption and will help the dredging market to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The Easydredge vessels already comply with the requested requiredments for 2016 (Tier 4) and are suitable for ‘unrestricted navigation’. Bram Roelse, Director of the IHC Merwede Dredging Division, says: “The Easydredge concept underlines IHC Merwede’s reputation as ‘the technology innovator’. With this new series, IHC Merwede broadens its range of dredgers with an extremely efficient solution and provides a complete range, from the smallest IHC Beaver® to the largest hopper dredger.” The Easydredge vessels can been seen at the SMM exhibition on the IHC Merwede stand in hall B4, EG 201.

Additional features: .Easydredge: 1300| 2300 |3300.
.Length overall: 73m | 84.95m | 97m.
.Breadth: 14.6m |16m |16.5m.
Depth: 5.5m |6.6m |7.9m.
Draught: 4.6m| 5.5m |6.3m.
Speed: 11kn | 12.5kn |13kn.
Dredging depth: 12-20m |15-25m |15-40m.
Suction pipe diameter: 500-600mm |700mm |700-800mm.
Tons deadweight :2,200mt |4,100mt |5,600mt.
Hopper capacity 1,300-1,600m3 |2,300-2,800m3| 3,300-3,700m3.
Daytime accommodation: 6-14 people |8-15 |people | 8-15 people.

Company profile IHC Merwede -IHC Merwede is focussed on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and a reliable supplier of custom-built ships and supplies for offshore construction. IHC Merwede has in-house expertise for engineering and manufacturing innovative vessels and advanced equipment, as well as providing life-cycle support. Its integrated systematic approach has helped to develop optimum product performance and long-term business partnerships. The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities. IHC Merwede has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, France, India, Malaysia, the Middle East, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Technological innovation will remain the company’s underlying strength through its continuous investment in research and development. Moreover, it helps to safeguard a sustainable environment. [www.ihcmerwede.com].