Royal IHC launches world’s largest cutter suction dredger SPARTACUS for DEME

On 10 November, Royal IHC successfully 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.
 
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. This know-how was invaluable throughout the construction of the SPARTACUS.
 
As the first LNG-powered CSD in the world, the SPARTACUS sets a new benchmark in the industry. It 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 45m.
 
“DEME’s drive to innovate and focus on sustainability is reflected in the company’s multi-year fleet investment programme,” says Director and CEO of DEME Alain Bernard. “The new additions to the fleet are part of our continuous efforts to further increase efficiency, both in terms of production and environmental performance. SPARTACUS stands out because of her unrivalled power and high-tech features on board. The CSD will drive new levels of performance and provide our customers with flexible solutions for dredging projects in even the most harsh and remote environments.”
 
IHC’s CEO Dave Vander Heyde is proud of achieving this important milestone in what has been a challenging project: “IHC is known for its willingness to push boundaries to develop and produce high added-value equipment and vessels for our customers. The combination of power, size and innovation makes the SPARTACUS a perfect example of such a project. DEME was once the first dredging company to put a ‘jumbo’ dredger in the market which has led to a new generation of dredging vessels. As the SPARTACUS will soon be the world’s largest and most powerful LNG-powered CSD in operation, DEME will again have set a new standard in the market.”
 
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.