Cutter suction dredger launched in Croatia

Willem van Rubroeck, a self-propelled cutter suction dredger built by Uljanik Shipyard for the Luxembourg-based Jan De Nul Group, was launched into the sea on August 26 from the company’s slipway in Pula.

The vessel, with a length 151.3 metres and a beam of 36 metres, can develop a speed of 12 knots.

It has installed power of 40,975kW, three dredging pumps with a total power of 25,500kW, and two retractable thrusters with a total power of 6,000kW.

This vessel, the world’s most powerful dredger according to the yard, will have a cutter power of 8,500kW and will be able to dredge compact sand, clay and rocks up to 45 metres deep, while the operation will be controlled from a central station and is almost completely automated.

It will be able to accommodate 67 crew members.