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 |