Royal IHC has launched the Spartacus, a 44,180kW self-propelled cutter suction dredger (CSD) designed and built for DEME.
The ceremony took place at IHC's shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel, the Netherlands, on 11 November. It was performed by Mrs Fabienne Ackermans, the spouse of Mr Luc Bertrand (chairman of the Board of Directors of Ackermans & van Haaren, owner of DEME).
First CSD on LNG
The Spartacus is the world’s largest CSD and the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The four main engines can run on LNG, marine diesel oil (MDO) and heavy fuel oil (HFO). The two auxiliary engines also incorporate dual-fuel technology.
IHC and DEME acquired extensive knowledge during the build of LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredgers Minerva and Scheldt River. As the first LNG-powered CSD in the world, the Spartacus sets a new benchmark in the industry.
One-man Operated Dredge Control
The Spartacus also features several additional innovations, such as a waste heat recovery system, a one-man operated dredge control and a heavy-duty cutter ladder that can reach a dredging depth of 45 m.
Nominated for Dredger of the Year
The Spartacus has already received its first nomination for an award with DEME being shortlisted in the ‘dredger of the year’ category by the Dredging and Port Construction Awards. The winner will be announced on 20 November 2018.
Watch a video of the launch below.
