World’s first LNG-powered hopper dredger launched
The launch ceremony of DEME’s 3,500m3 LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) ‘Minerva’ took place on December 3 at Royal IHC’s shipyard in Kinderdijk, the Netherlands.
The dual-fuel (diesel and LNG) dredger has a ‘Green Passport’ and a ‘Clean Design’ notation, complying and exceeding with the strictest international emission requirements.
The availability of the 83.5-metre vessel has also been increased since it meets the requirements for the extended dry-docking system. Ships under this special programme get a maximum dry-dock interval of 7.5 years (instead of five years) by replacing certain dry-dockings with in-water surveys.
The official name giving and christening ceremony will take place in the spring of 2017 in Zeebrugge, Belgium.