TNPA Orders South Africa's Largest Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger

Rendering: IHC Merwede

South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has awarded IHC Merwede the contract for the design, construction and delivery of a 5,500m3 trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD). Once built, this new dredger will be the largest such vessel operating in the country.

The new TSHD will join TNPA’s existing fleet of IHC Merwede-built vessels including the TSHD ISANDLWANA and the grab hopper dredger ITALENI.

As one of the five operating divisions of Transnet SOC Ltd., TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient economic functioning of the South African national port system. It manages eight commercial ports along the country’s 2,954km coastline in a landlord capacity, with two main service categories: the provision of port infrastructure; and the provision of maritime services, such as dredging and marine operations.

Vessel Particulars

Length	approx. 101.5m
Breadth	22.4m
Depth	7.5m
Draught	6.0m
Hopper capacity at highest overflow level	5,500m³
Inside diameter of trailing suction pipe	900mm
Dredging depth	30m
Total installed power	approx. 6,200kW
Trial speed	11.9 knots
Complement	26 people