Damen delivers software and hardware for new dredge monitoring system for UKD Bluefin

The UKD Bluefin has undergone a complete refit of the Dredge Monitoring System. Damen delivered all required software and hardware for trailing pipe and loading process monitoring, making use of the existing sensors on board. The refit was done within 2 weeks during a scheduled docking resulting in zero downtime, the company said in its press release.

As the Damen Dredging Instrumentation system allows full customisation, extensive talks with the UKD Bluefin’s crew have resulted in a new configuration exactly fitting the UKD Bluefin requirements. The new system allows monitoring on both bridge wings of both trailing suction pipes in horizontal and vertical angles, each on 1 screen. On another screen the loading process is monitored, including a full overview of the TSHDs draught as well as the ‘Tons Dry Solids (TDS) load line’. At the navigation desk, two more screens have been mounted for the same purposes. The system allows the various screens to show different pages simultaneously. Moreover a Data Logging and Reporting module plus remote access from the shore-based office have been installed.

All refitting has been done during a scheduled docking at Middlebrough, UK. As the Damen system is capable of making use of existing sensors, the refit was a straightforward one. Within two weeks all Damen software and hardware were up and running. All signals from the existing sensors, such as the trailing pipe’s angle sensors, the draught sensors and the concentration and velocity meters, were checked and fed into the new system. The entire refit has been executed in zero downtime.

The UKD Bluefin crew is content with the new Dredge Monitoring System. Mr Paul Mitchell, UK Dredging Operations Manager, says “The new Damen system offers a clear overview of the various processes. Moreover the practical controls are another plus for the Damen system. We are pleased with the refit by Damen and look forward to doing more projects with them in the future”.

About UK Dredging:
UK Dredging was established in 1996 as a division of Associated British Ports.
UKD vessels operate around the UK and near continent with operations overseen from UKD's head office in Cardiff. UKD is backed by the financial strength of ABP, the UK's largest and leading ports group, handling about a quarter of the country's seaborne trade. This strength has allowed UKD to maintain a programme of continued capital investment.

About Damen Dredging Equipment:
Damen Dredging Equipment is a specialised supplier of dredging equipment and dredging instrumentation & automation. Fully owned by Damen Shipyards Group and based in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, the company has over 70 years of experience in the construction of dredging equipment serving the worldwide dredging industry. The dredging tools are all built to specific customer requirements, making use of a wide range of standard equipment.