10 Apr 2019

Keppel delivers world’s first EU Stage V dredger

Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Keppel Singmarine Pte Ltd (Keppel Singmarine) has delivered the world's first European Union (EU) Stage V dredger on time, within budget and with a perfect safety record, strengthening its presence in the non-oil and gas segment.

Built for Jan De Nul and named Afonso de Albuquerque, the ultra-low emission Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) is diesel-electrical powered and comes equipped with an efficient exhaust gas filter system. The resultant emission complies with the requirements of the EU Stage V standardsⁱ, which set stricter limits on emissions. The second and third dredgers for Jan De Nul are expected to be delivered later this quarter.

Mr Abu Bakar, Managing Director (Gas & Specialised Vessels), Keppel O&M, said, "We are pleased to work with Jan De Nul in their pursuit of greener operations with the delivery of the world's first EU Stage V dredger. It is testament to Keppel's newbuild capabilities and technological expertise, and we look forward to extending this track record with the additional four state-of-the-art dredgers that we are building for Jan De Nul."

Mr Robby De Backer, Director of Newbuilding Department of Jan De Nul Group, said, "We are delighted to be at the forefront of the industry's push for more environmental-friendly solutions with this ultra-low emission vessel that will enable dredging at the lowest levels of emissions to date. The Keppel team has demonstrated the capability to provide value-added engineering solutions and excellent execution, which is why we ordered five dredgers from them. We look forward to the smooth delivery of the upcoming dredgers."

The first-of-its-kind dredger was built in Keppel's shipyard in Nantong, China, to the requirements of classification society Bureau Veritas. It is able to dredge to a maximum depth of 27.6m and has a hopper capacity of 3,500 m³.

Designed with a shallow draught and high manoeuvrability, the TSHD is suitable for work in confined areas. The dredger will be used for dredging loose and soft soils such as sand, gravel, silt or clay. The dredged material can be deposited on the seabed through bottom doors or discharged through a floating pipeline to shore and used for land reclamation.

Including the four dredgers for Jan De Nul, Keppel is currently building six dredgers of various hopper capacities ranging from 3,500m³ to 10,500m³. This includes two dual-fuel dredgers capable of running on LNG.

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i _{The EU Stage V emission standards require inland waterway vessels to comply with stricter emission standards. For the first time, the standard introduces a limit on the number of solid particles with a diameter greater than 23 nanometres https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52014PC0581}  

About Jan De Nul Group

Innovation, expertise and sustainability. This is the strength of Jan De Nul Group. Thanks to the passion and commitment of its employees and the hypermodern fleet, the Group is market leader in dredging and maritime works, as well as in specialised services for the offshore market of oil, gas and renewable energy. The Group is also a leading company in civil engineering and environmental activities.

The professional and innovative solutions are trusted across the industry. Whether it concerns the construction of new locks, the installation of the offshore wind farms or the redevelopment of polluted industrial sites, together with its clients Jan De Nul Group contributes to further economic development in a responsible way.

About Keppel O&M / Keppel Singmarine

Keppel O&M is a global leader in offshore rig design, construction and repair, ship repair and conversion, and specialised shipbuilding. It integrates and harnesses the experience and expertise of yards and offices in 15 countries to be near customers and markets. Driven by innovation and a capable people with the Can Do! spirit, Keppel O&M strives to become a builder of distinction in every aspect of its business. For more information, visit www.keppelom.com.

Keppel Singmarine is the specialised shipbuilding arm of Keppel O&M, with a track record of designing and building over 400 ships of various specifications and functions, spanning from Anchor Handling Tug/Supply vessels, Multi-Purpose Offshore Support vessels and tugboats to highly advanced solutions such as icebreakers and ice-class support vessels.