HAM orders large trailing suction hopper dredger

Capelle aan den IJssel – HAM Dredging Ltd commissioned the building of a large new trailing suction hopper dredger from shipbuilder IHC Holland N.V. The new vessel, to be called HAM 318, will have a hopper capacity of 23,700 cubic meters and a deadweight capacity of 36,450 tons.

The ship will be one of the largest trailing suction hopper dredgers in the world. The investment is in line with HAM’s policy to expand and renew its current fleet. The purchase of trailing suction hopper dredger HAM 318 involves an investment of NLG 200 million. HAM will launch the new ship in the second half of the year 2001.

The HAM 318 will be 170 metres long, thirty-two metres wide and have a draught of twelve metres. The ship will be equipped with two suction pipes of 1,200 millimetres in diameter that will enable it to dredge at depths of up to 110 metres. The total power installed will be 28,500 kW.

The decision to build the HAM 318 is in line with developments in the world dredging market, in which economy of scale, dredging at increasing depths and dredging related offshore activities play an important role. Economy of scale and increased efficiency are key elements in the continuing effort to deliver the lowest possible cost price per cubic metre of dredged material.

HAM, dredging and marine contractors, is active in the fields of construction and maintenance of ports and navigation channels, reclamation, beach replenishment, coastal and riverbank works and offshore activities. HAM owns a diverse fleet, which includes twelve trailing suction hopper dredgers. HAM is an operating company of HBG, Hollandsche Beton Groep nv.


Further information:

Arno C. Pronk, HBG Public Relations, telephone +31 70 3722121.