Construction completed on new diving bell ship for German waterways administration

Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld in the Netherlands has completed construction of a new diving bell ship ordered by the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (Wasser- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes; WSV).

The newbuild, which also recently completed river trials, will operate on the Rhine River and its tributaries. It will provide dry conditions, in a pressurised atmosphere, in which personnel can work below the water.

The vessel’s main scope of work will be the search and recovery of lost cargo and wreckage as well as inspection for construction projects. It will also be capable of providing barrel anchors in gravelly and rocky areas in order to perform sampling activities.

Power is provided by an EU Stage V-compliant diesel-electric propulsion system that delivers a cruising speed of seven knots.

The diving bell ship will be delivered by the summer of 2021 and will replace an older vessel that has been in service with the WSV since 1963.


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