Croatian Shipyard Launches World’s Most Powerful Dredger

Croatian shipbuilder Uljanik has launched the world’s most powerful cutter dredger (Photo: Uljanik)

Croatian shipbuilder Uljanik has launched the world’s most powerful cutter dredger over the weekend at its shipyard in Pula.

Uljanik built the 151.3 m long vessel named Willem Van Rubroeck for Luxemburg-based Jan De Nul Group.

The self-propelled cutter suction dredger, named after the great Flemish missionary and naval explorers of Medieval times, is 36 metres wide and is able to dredge material up to 45 metres deep.

Willem Van Rubroeck is 10 metres high and can develop a speed of 12 knots. It has installed power of 40.975 kW, three dredging pumps with a total power of 25.500 kW, two of which located in the pump room and one in the cutter ladder, and 2 retractable thrusters with a total power of 6000 kW.

The launch of the world’s most powerful dredger in Pula (Photo: Uljanik)

“This vessel, the world’s most powerful dredger, will have a cutter power of 8,500kW and it will be able to dredge compact sand, clay and rocks up to 45m deep, while the operation will be controlled from a central station and is almost completely automated. Also, it will be able to receive 67 crew members in a comfortable and high standard accommodation,” Uljanik said.

Launching of world’s most powerful cutter dredger Willem van Rubroeck at Uljanik Shipyard in Croatia. Welcome to our fleet! #jandenul pic.twitter.com/tvGRMtuR7c

— Jan De Nul Group (@jandenulgroup) August 26, 2017

Uljanik said on Monday that they have also signed a deal with Norwegian company Nexans Subsea Operations to build a cable laying ship. That ship will be 149.9 metres long and 31 metres wide.