HAM orders second large trailing suction hopper dredger

Capelle aan den IJssel – HAM Dredging Ltd has ordered a large trailing suction hopper dredger from IHC Holland N.V.

The vessel will have a hopper capacity of 23,700 cubic metres and a deadweight of 40,360 tons. The purchase of the new trailing suction hopper dredger involves an investment of approximately €100 million. The ship will be operational early in 2003.

The new vessel will be a sister ship to trailing suction hopper dredger HAM 318, which is due to be launched in mid-May 2001 and will become operational in the second half of the year. The ship will be 176 metres long and 32 metres wide, and will be equipped with two suction pipes 1,200 millimetres in diameter. It will be capable of dredging material from depths of up to 110 metres. Total installed power will be 28,500 kW.

The decision to build large trailing suction hopper dredgers reflects developments in the world dredging market. Major land reclamation projects, for which trailing suction hopper dredgers transport sand over long distances, require dredgers of large capacity. Size is a major factor in the ongoing effort to minimise costs. The order for the new vessel is in line with HAM's plans for expanding and upgrading the fleet. The investment will also strengthen HAM's position in the world dredging market.

HAM, dredging and marine contractors, is active in the fields of construction and maintenance of ports and navigation channels, land reclamation, beach replenishment, sea defence and riverbank works and offshore services. HAM owns a diverse fleet, which includes fourteen trailing suction hopper dredgers. HAM is an operating company of HBG, Hollandsche Beton Groep nv. HAM is currently engaged in several major land reclamation projects in Singapore and Hong Kong in addition to other work.


Further information:

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