Biggest Dredger In The World
Spartacus, constructed for Belgian marine contractor DEME, is the world’s most powerful cutter suction dredger, which has set new standards since it was delivered in 2021.
Specifications
- Length: 164 meters
- Breadth: 34 meters
- Moulded depth: 10 meters
- Maximum draught: 7 meters
- Total installed power: 44,180 kW
- Dredging depth capability: Up to 45 meters, exceeding the industry standard of 35 m
- Discharge pipe diameter: 1,200 mm
It has a large cutter ladder weighing 2550 tonnes, allowing it to apply extreme pressure when dredging. Its cutter drive delivers 12,000 kW of power to the cutterhead, which is double the power of previous generation mega cutter suction dredgers. Hence, Spartacus can cut through harder soils at high speeds.
Innovative Features of the biggest dredger
Spartacus is the first LNG-powered cutter suction dredger and can operate on LNG, low-sulphur heavy Fuel Oil or Marine Diesel, giving it greater operational flexibility.
It also has a waste heat recovery system, which converts heat from exhaust gases into electrical energy and LNG cold energy recovery to utilise waste energy for cooling the chilled water system.
The biggest dredger has 14 cutterheads of 6 different designs for various soil types from fine sand to hard rock. Its 72 m long spuds allow it to reach unprecedented depths.
It has a pumping power of 25.5 MW, allowing it to discharge dredged materials over 10 kilometres, leading to autonomous operations without booster stations.
It can accommodate 72 people and has air cushions for the comfort of the crew.
Operational Capabilities
Spartacus operates with greater autonomy and minimises environmental impact. Its immense power and cutting abilities allow it to undertake projects which were previously unfeasible.
The ship can cut through the hardest rocks with unrivalled production rates, eliminating the need for blasting or using dynamite in case of many scenarios.
Its control system is quite advanced, and its heavy cutter ladder can be operated from the bridge by a single operator.
The biggest dredger also has a workshop with vibration-insulated flooring, enabling repairs and maintenance of cutterheads during operations that improve uptime.
The ship has been called a game-changer in the industry and has allowed ambitious plans to turn into realistic and achievable projects.
You might also like to read-
- What Are Cutting Suction Dredgers?
- Different Types of Dredgers Used in the Maritime Industry
- Ambiorix: A Powerful Self-propelled Cutter Suction Dredger
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The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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