The Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) launched the third trailer suction hopper dredger (TSHD) - DCI Dredge XXI of 5500 Cu.M Hopper Capacity - on Thursday in the Netherlands, according to a press release issued here on Friday.
The launching ceremony was performed by Rita Mohanty, the spouse of CMD D.K.Mohanty, at the IHC’s yard in Kinderdijk in the Netherlands. The ceremony was also attended by Bram Roelse, the Managing Director of IHC Merwede’s dredging division, apart from senior officials.
According to the release, the Union Ministry of Shipping accorded approval to the DCI for procurement of three dredgers of 5500 Cu.M hopper capacity, each at an approximate cost of Rs 1,570 crore, in April 2010, all being built by IHC Dredgers BV, the Netherlands. Two vessels - DCI Dredge XIX and DCI Dredge XX - were delivered and commissioned in December, 2012, and July, 2013. The third one of the series is expected to be commissioned by February 2014.
The vessel is capable of dredging to a depth of 25 mtrs, which is a unique feature. Due to the robust engine power, the dredgers are ideally suited to dredge in shallow waters and in strong currents. The high powered jet fitted in the dredgers enables it to carry out both capital dredging and maintenance dredging work. All the vessels are constructed under the dual classes of Lloyd’s Register and Indian Register of Shipping. These dredgers feature high levels of productivity, reliability and efficiency, adds the release.
With the addition of these dredgers, it is expected the DCI will be able to meet the maintenance dredging requirements of the major ports in the country. The company has plans to place orders for two more 9000 M. capacity dredgers in the Twelfth Plan.