VIDEO: Damen launches Marine Aggregate Dredger for Hanson

The company will use the vessel to conduct offshore aggregate extraction in water depths up to -55 metres in the North Sea and English Channel.

VIDEO: Damen launches Marine Aggregate Dredger for Hanson

On 11th September, Damen Shipyards Group launched a Marine Aggregate Dredger (MAD) 3500 at its Galati yard in Romania.

Damen is building the MAD for UK-based Hanson. The company will use the vessel to conduct offshore aggregate extraction in water depths up to -55 metres in the North Sea and English Channel.

The MAD was successfully launched, despite the impact of the coronavirus during this critical stage of production. To ensure the safe continuity of its business operations around the world, Damen has taken numerous measures at its yards and offices.

Damen’s MAD range applies innovative maritime engineering to ensure safe, comfortable operations even in adverse conditions. Safety is further enhanced by the positioning of all dredge pipes above main deck. The equipment itself is protected by the MAD’s enclosed bow.

The MAD 3500 model specifically aims at achieving the optimal balance between payload and efficiency within the limited dimensions required for the vessel to traverse the Shoreham Lock on the English south coast.

Following the launch, Damen will complete work on the vessel, to be named Hanson Thames, and afterwards undertake commissioning, including of dredge equipment and screening installation from Damen Dredging Equipment in the Netherlands and a dry unloading system from PLM Cranes.