Damen Makes History with Launch of Middle East’s First CSD650 Cutter Suction Dredger

Albwardy Damen has recently unveiled a Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) 650, marking the inaugural construction of this modular dredger at the yard. Typically focused on ship repair and construction of various vessel types, the yard also serves as the Damen Service Hub in the area, providing local after-sales assistance. In the current week, the launch of the CSD650 took place at Albwardy Damen, diversifying their portfolio and expanding their capabilities.

The CSD650 is a standard suction dredger, built for replenishing stock. Usually, these large dredgers are built at the Damen Dredging Equipment yard in Nijkerk, the Netherlands. This dredger was built in the Middle East to ensure short lead times and low transport costs for the local market. The dredger has been launched completely fitted out, and will now undergo a testing programme. It will be ready for delivery January 2020.

The CSD650 is a 535 ton construction, with an overall length – including spud carriage – of 61.2m. This results in an impressive swing width of 63m. The suction dredger is equipped with a powerful 700 kW cutter head, made for dredging at a max dredging depth of -18. The dredger is fitted out with an inboard dredge pump located in a separate pump room. The total installed power of the CSD650 is 2,972 kW. The high efficiency dredger has an mixture production of some 7,000 m3/h.

The construction of the CSD650 at the Albwardy Damen yard is a logical step. The yard has been building Damen CSD500 for the past 12 years. Moreover it is the Damen Service Hub in the region. As a result, the yard has developed a lot of knowledge on boosters, DOP dredge pumps – and cutter suction dredgers. All dredgers delivered to customers in the Middle East are receiving full after-sales support from the local hub.

Recently, Albwardy Damen has finished the construction of two other dredgers, both of the type CSD500. These dredgers have a max dredging depth of -14m, and a mixture pumping capacity of 4,000 m3/h. Both have been fully tested and are available on location. For all dredgers customer finance can be provided.

All dredgers were finished during the COVID-19 pandemic – the yard overcoming the challenge presented with full consideration to the safety and well-being of all personnel and stakeholders.

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